Policy for Ethnic Diversity

 

Statement of Intent

 

Sacred Heart School aims to create a school environment that nurtures the whole school, allowing for the development of each individual’s potential, giving it a framework for living where sound relationships can be established and where everyone has dignity and is valued.  We aim to ensure that the curriculum helps children to develop the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills in order that they can play a full part in our multicultural society in a Christian and Catholic setting.  To this end governors of Sacred Heart Primary School have adopted a policy of equality of opportunity.  They reject discrimination on account of race or ethnicity, colour or nationality, wherever it may exist, without prejudice to its Catholic ethos.

 

 

Aims

 

In consideration of multicultural issues the policy of the school aims to recognise and develop:

·        A Catholic environment in which there is trust, fairness and respect towards themselves and others in school and in the wider community.

·        The individual worth of all pupils and staff.

·        The entitlement of all pupils to learn and benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum and to adapt the curriculum, if necessary, to respond to the particular needs of a group of children. (Ref Policy on Teaching EAL).

·        The preparation of all pupils for life in a multicultural society.

·        The removal of prejudice, bias, misunderstanding, stereotyping and racism.

·        An awareness of Britain as a multicultural society.

·        The partnership between home, school and the local community.

 

 

Strategies

 

·        To carefully select teaching resources which reflect a multicultural society

·        To highlight similarities between groups as well as celebrate differences

·        To ensure resources do not display a cultural or racial bias or depict stereotyping

·        To provide learning experiences which enable children to explore the contributions of different cultural, racial and religious groups

·        To acknowledge religious and secular festivals in class activities and school assemblies

 

 

Dealing With Racist Behaviours.

 

There are occasions when a child may exhibit racist behaviour towards another person.  Such incidents are to be clearly identified and dealt with in an appropriate manner.  Forms of racist behaviour that may be encountered are:

 

·        Derogatory name calling, insults, racist jokes and language

·        Ridicule of an individual for cultural difference such as food or dress

·        A refusal to co-operate/interact with others because of their ethnic origin

 

Suggested action:

 

·        Explain clearly and fully to the perpetrator that such behaviour will not be tolerated

·        Offer support to the victim

·        All incidents must be reported to the Headteacher

·        Headteacher will complete Racist Incident Forms  and report incident to LA

·        Parents should be informed

·        A record should be kept of the incident

 

 

Implementation Of The Policy

 

It is intended that the policy can be achieved by:

·        Taking into account equal opportunities in a manner that reinforce the Catholic ethos of the school, viz.  We are all created in the image and likeness of God and He has commanded us to love one another.

·        An assessment of attitudes and practices.

·        Recognising the authority’s guidelines for dealing with racist incidents.

·        Making sure that all staff, pupils and parents are aware of the policy.

 

 

This policy forms an integral part of the school INCLUSION FRAMEWORK.  It will be reviewed regularly or in response to legislative/practice changes.

 

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