Training Impact
HEAD TEACHER, FULHAM BILINGUAL SCHOOL
What was the training?
EDI in Schools full-day course
What were you hoping to get out of the training?
Staff to have an increased knowledge of the protected characteristics and the barriers people face. To know the law/ equality act and to begin to consider how we can make our school a genuinely more inclusive place for everyone. For staff to learn about unconscious bias and to begin to challenge and reflect on their own biases. Provide staff with confidence in managing identity-based bullying and or other forms of prejudice. In a nutshell, it deepens their empathy by seeing different perspectives.
What was your opinion of the training and the resources?
We loved it. The training held everyone’s attention; staff felt educated rather than schooled. It was non-threatening. Ellie was knowledgeable and passionate, people walked away feeling that their “eyes had been opened.” The Equality Code posters are instant wins – visual and succinct. The guide to introducing the Code is brilliant, child-friendly and full of content. The audit is great at providing actions which can be put into practice and improve the offer instantly.
What has your school introduced since having the training?
Introduction of the Equality Code, changes to History, Art and English curriculum so far. Photographs and visuals staff use are now more reflective of our society. This year, we intend to review policies and look at how we respond to identity based bullying.
What has been the overall impact of the training?
Staff’s awareness of diversity of the community they serve. In turn, the changes that have been made to the curriculum mean pupils feel represented, and therefore, a positive impact is felt in their mental health and wellbeing. Staff have the confidence to deliver lessons around prejudice which means children are educated in the various forms and the impact this has on people. In turn, we believe this has led to a reduced number of racist incidents being recorded (taking place).
Would you recommend this training to other schools, and if so, why?
100% and have done so already.
We had the ‘In-school EDI training’ on the final day of the Summer term. As you can imagine, holding the staff's attention on a hot summer's day could have been challenging, to say the least, not only did we stay focused, but the training enthralled us. This is because Ellie is passionate and extremely knowledgeable. Her training was low-threat meaning everyone felt safe to engage and share despite our various starting points. We all felt we had been given the language, tools and resources to begin our journey of making sure our school is inclusive in a genuine way. Staff felt empowered and equipped to challenge bias within our setting. Because of the training, our curriculum and specific policies have been reviewed and improved meaning all of our school community feel represented and safe to be themselves. There is still more to do, but the resources provided have put us on the right path to ensuring we know how to embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in our school culture and curriculum.
HEAD TEACHER AT ALL SAINTS PRIMARY, COALVILLE NW LEICESTERSHIRE
What was the training?
EDI in Schools half-day course
What were you hoping to get out of the training?
To ensure all staff had a consistent and up to date understanding of EDI and felt able to share that with the children and wider community.
What was your opinion of the training and the resources?
The training was engaging, challenging at times and very worthwhile.
What has your school introduced since having the training?
We have introduced the Equality Code for our children, staff and Governors and the wider school community. We are now sharing the Equality Code with the six local schools in our collaborative to have a shared approach within our area.
What has been the overall impact of the training?
Staff are much more confident in their understanding and implementation of equality and diversity. As a team we now regularly check each other and ourselves with an ‘equality nudge’.
Would you recommend this training to other schools and if so, why?
I would highly recommend the training to all schools as it provides a clear framework in which to develop the whole school community in a clear and consistent approach to equality. Ellie was fantastic to work with and continues to support us on our journey. She is very clear in her vision and can articulate it to staff through both professional and personal lived experience.