Wyndcliffe Equality and Diversity Statement

UNICEF: Article 2 (non-discrimination) The Convention applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background.

Article 14 (freedom of thought, belief and religion) Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up.

Article 23 (children with a disability) A child with a disability has the right to live a full and decent life with dignity and, as far as possible, independence and to play an active part in the community. Governments must do all they can to support disabled children and their families.

Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.

At Wyndcliffe Primary School, we will ensure that at every level, in all our work and through all aspects of the school community and its life, everyone will be treated equally, reflecting the Single Equality Act 2010. We will not discriminate against the protected characteristics: age, disability, gender, gender-identity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

In order to promote diversity and equality for all, we have an EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY, which follows the Equality Policy. At Wyndcliffe Primary School, EVERYONE is Welcome!

School of Sanctuary

We have achieved the School of Sanctuary Award

We have been recognised for our commitment to being a safe and welcoming place for all, especially those seeking sanctuary. We are also aiming to be recognised for our outstanding provision and the hard work that all staff and students do for the refugees, asylum seeking children and our most vulnerable students.

As a School of Sanctuary we are committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all, especially those seeking sanctuary. This could be people whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for a space of safety. A School of Sanctuary helps its students, staff and wider community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community. Wyndcliffe Primary School is a school that is proud to be a place of safety and inclusion for all.

Why is a School of Sanctuary important?

· We have a sense of Safety and Inclusion for all

· We have developed understanding of what it means to seek Sanctuary. Dispelling negative myths

· We provide learning opportunities around human rights, social justice, diversity and interdependence

· We strengthen race equality and community cohesion work

· We increase student voice and promote active citizenship

Below is some key information we consider daily to be a School of Sanctuary.

Refugee – a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Asylum seeker– a person who has left their home country as a political refugee and is seeking asylum in another.

Migrant– a person who moves from one place to another in order to find work or better living conditions.

Immigrant– a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

Why do people become refugees? Religious/national/social/racial/political persecution, war, gender/sexual orientation, hunger and climate change.

What can we all do to create a more welcoming school for everyone?

· Ensure students show respect for all people and their basic human rights – including the right of everyone to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.

· We can show an interest and be friendly to new comers.

· We can ask students who are learning English if they would like to work on homework together.

Article 22 (refugee children) – If a child is seeking refuge or has refugee status, governments must provide them with appropriate protection and assistance to help them enjoy all the rights in the Convention. Governments must help refugee children who are separated from their parents to be reunited with them.

For more information please visit: https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/

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