Diversity Week - more information
I have received some emails from parents who feel concerned about our approach to teaching diversity (specifically the assembly on Tuesday morning). I want to reassure all parents that the events planned for our Diversity Week are about celebrating what makes each of us unique and special. We are not teaching directly about any of the protected characteristics. Rather, it's about creating an inclusive environment where all children feel valued and respected for who they are. We strive to do this every day in the way we approach all our teaching, but special events like this help children understand that everyone is different and we all belong at Southill Primary.
What is diversity?
Diversity means recognizing, accepting and celebrating that everyone is different and unique, but also the same in many ways. It involves understanding and appreciating differences while fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. At Southill Primary we are proud to be an inclusive school that celebrates the uniqueness of every child.
About Tuesday's Assembly
In assembly on Tuesday morning, Mel Lane will share "Little Red Riding Dude" by Olly Pike, a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale that explores themes of identity and acceptance. The key message of the assembly is that 'We are all different and can feel proud of ourselves for what makes us unique'.
Mel has shared the content of the assembly with us, and I can confirm that:
- Her assembly is suitable for all children from Reception to Year 6
- Mel is a freelancer for Unicef and volunteers for a number of organisations
- Mel was a primary school teacher for 23 years and a primary school teacher trainer for many years
- Mel is an expert at speaking to children in an age-appropriate way
- Mel works in schools across Dorset and within the Chesil Collaboration
Families who wish to preview the story before Tuesday can watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI4b978w1HA
The slides that will be shown are
and Mel will use this video but only up to 1 minute 22 seconds.
Parents are very welcome to attend the assembly which starts at 9.00am. This is a wonderful opportunity to see how we approach these important topics with our children. The assembly leads perfectly into our ‘This is Me’ day on Wednesday when children and staff are invited to wear something that celebrates what makes them special.
Our Statutory Responsibilities
I feel I also need to clarify that our teaching about diversity is always age-appropriate and in line with statutory guidance. Relationships Education is mandatory for all primary schools in England as set out in the Relationships Education (Primary) document:
"Teaching about families requires sensitive and well-judged teaching based on knowledge of pupils and their circumstances. Families of many forms provide a nurturing environment for children. (Families can include for example, single parent families, LGBT parents, families headed by grandparents, adoptive parents, foster parents/carers amongst other structures.) Care needs to be taken to ensure that there is no stigmatisation of children based on their home circumstances and needs..."
By the end of primary school, pupils should know "that others' families, either in school or in the wider world, sometimes look different from their family, but that they should respect those differences and know that other children's families are also characterised by love and care."
Why This Matters
When we teach children about diversity, we help them to:
- Understand and respect differences
- Recognize that families come in many forms
- Develop empathy and tolerance
- See themselves reflected in what they learn
- Celebrate what makes each of us unique
Our Approach
At Southill Primary, we carefully select books and teaching resources that reflect the diversity of our school community and the wider world. Research shows that children benefit from stories that provide both "mirrors" (reflecting their own experiences) and "windows" (offering views into others' experiences).
Our approach to teaching about diversity and equality is ongoing throughout the year, with Diversity Week being a special celebration of this important work. It aligns with our commitment to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain and creating an inclusive environment where all children feel valued.
I do understand that sometimes it can be worrying if you think that children may be exposed to ideas and questions that perhaps you think they’re not ready for but I hope that all families can feel assured that children will only ever be taught in line with the mandatory guidance and in an entirely age-appropriate way.
With very best wishes
Caroline