Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

At Archway Learning Trust, we are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment where everyone is valued and supported to thrive. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy underpins everything we do and reflects our belief that diversity strengthens our communities and enriches learning experiences for all.

We actively promote equality of opportunity and are committed to eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Across our trust and academies, we work to ensure fairness, dignity and respect for all, regardless of background, identity or circumstance. We recognise and celebrate difference while fostering a strong sense of belonging for pupils, staff, families and the wider community.

Our approach is rooted in the principles of the Equality Act 2010 and demonstrates our commitment to protecting individuals from discrimination and advancing equality. We strive to remove barriers to participation, close gaps in outcomes and ensure that policies, practices and provision are inclusive and accessible.

Through ambitious education, inclusive curriculum design and positive relationships, we aim to empower every learner and colleague to achieve their potential. Equality, diversity and inclusion are not standalone priorities – they are central to our values, culture and vision of working together to transform lives.

Start date: June 2022
Review date: June 2026

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to publish equality objectives that demonstrate our commitment to eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations.

Equality Objective 1

Improve experiences available to our students to ensure opportunities and access for all

How we will achieve this:

• We will ensure we provide regular communication with students and parents around specific organisations that can help and support families across a range of topics including mental health, food banks and external agency support. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, we do this through regular newsletters, PTA Group, Community Coffee Mornings, our Community Food Bank, and signposting families to mental health and wellbeing support.)
• We will actively look at ways of tackling any barriers that prevent accessibility. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, barriers are identified through pupil progress meetings, Safeguarding, Curriclum, SEND reviews, safeguarding meetings and parent discussions, with reasonable adjustments made swiftly.)
• We will regularly obtain the views of all students, particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and physical disabilities, to ensure that we are meeting their needs and making any necessary adjustments. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, we gather pupil voice through class discussions, pupil surveys, SEND reviews and intervention reviews to shape support.)
• We will make sure that all our students, regardless of disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or age, have equal opportunities to take part in extra‑curricular activities. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, this is achieved through the Bluecoat Life enrichment programme, inclusive clubs, Sports Premium funding and targeted support for disadvantaged and SEND pupils.)
• Breakfast Club is available to all students and is promoted widely. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, Breakfast Club is open to all pupils and actively promoted, with targeted encouragement for pupils who benefit most from a positive start to the day.)

Equality Objective 2

Provide a curriculum that enables pupils to function fully in a diverse and democratic society

How we will achieve this:

• By ensuring our whole‑school approach to citizenship enables pupils to appreciate their rights and responsibilities in modern British society. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, this is delivered through PSHE, RSE, assemblies, pupil leadership roles and explicit teaching of British Values.)
• By ensuring visitors invited to speak to pupils represent a diverse range across society. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, visitors reflect diverse backgrounds, professions and life experiences, including faith leaders, community members and external speakers.)
• Throughout the curriculum, pupils will gain insight into global issues and explore diversity and discrimination. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, diversity and protected characteristics are woven through PSHE, RE, reading texts, assemblies and wider curriculum subjects.)
• Throughout the academic year we will work with a range of local, national and international charities. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, pupils engage with charity events and campaigns that deepen understanding of community, social responsibility and global citizenship.)
• We will offer a range of trips to develop cultural capital and broaden experiences. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, trips, visits, creative workshops and cultural experiences are planned across all year groups to enhance pupils’ understanding of the wider world.)

Equality Objective 3

Improve our knowledge and understanding of discriminatory behaviours within our organisation

How we will achieve this:

• By identifying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) leads who support and develop inclusive practice. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, DEI leadership is embedded within senior and middle leadership roles and linked directly to curriculum and safeguarding priorities.)
• By providing training for all staff on the Equality Act 2010 and reasonable adjustments, including during induction. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, training is delivered through CPL, safeguarding updates and induction programmes for new staff.)
• By ensuring at least one event per term that improves staff and pupils’ understanding of discrimination. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, this includes assemblies, Believe Times, curriculum focus weeks and focused PSHE learning.)
• By carrying out regular questionnaires to gather views from pupils, families and staff. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, pupil voice, parent feedback and staff surveys are used to identify concerns and improve practice.)
• By ensuring discrimination is clearly recorded and acted upon within safeguarding systems. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, discriminatory incidents are logged separately within safeguarding systems, monitored closely and addressed promptly.)
• By logging and analysing all incidents relating to protected characteristics to identify trends and training needs. (At Bluecoat Primary Academy, leaders regularly review logged incidents to inform staff training, curriculum planning and preventative work.)