Equality, Diversion & Inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Work Hard. Be Kind. Take Responsibility.

“Belonging is created when people feel safe, valued and respected for who they are.”

 

Our Vision

At Harris Academy Riverside, we are committed to building a school community where every student, member of staff and family feels respected, valued and able to succeed.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are not isolated initiatives. They shape our culture, leadership, curriculum and daily interactions across the academy. Our goal is to ensure that every individual experiences a genuine sense of belonging within our community.

We recognise that inequality and discrimination exist within wider society. As a school, we have a responsibility not only to challenge prejudice but also to actively create an environment where fairness, respect and opportunity are embedded in everyday practice.

We want every member of our community to feel:

·Safe and supported

·Confident to express their identity

·Empowered to speak up when something is wrong

·Respected for their differences and experiences

Diversity strengthens our academy. By valuing different cultures, perspectives and identities, we build a stronger and more compassionate community for everyone.

*Link HARI EDI One Page

 

Our Commitment

Our work is guided by our academy values:

Work Hard. Be Kind. Take Responsibility.

Through these values, we commit to:

·Ensuring everyone feels welcome, respected and included

·Challenging discrimination, prejudice and harmful language

·Supporting students and staff to speak up and be heard

·Celebrating the diversity within our community

·Promoting fairness and equality of opportunity for all

Creating an inclusive culture requires everyday actions. Every member of our community plays a role in shaping a respectful and supportive environment.

*Link to HARI EDI Strategy

 

How We Create an Inclusive School

We prioritise an environment where students and staff feel comfortable sharing their experiences, raising concerns and contributing their ideas.

This includes:

·Trusted safeguarding and pastoral staff across the academy

·Clear systems for reporting concerns or discrimination

·Visible safe adults, including trained staff wearing rainbow lanyards

·The HARIHub email where students can confidentially seek help or report issues

·A strong structure of support with tutors, Heads of Year and safeguarding leads

·Regular wellbeing check-ins and pastoral support

Student leadership groups, mentoring programmes and the Student Council also provide important opportunities for students to share feedback and shape school culture.

*Inset HARI EDI One Page

 

Preventing discrimination and prejudice

Harris Academy Riverside has a zero-tolerance approach to discriminatory behaviour or language.

When incidents occur we:

·Challenge and address the behaviour immediately

·Record incidents through safeguarding and behaviour systems

·Provide education and reflection alongside consequences

·Monitor patterns of behaviour to identify trends

·Support individuals affected by discrimination

Students are taught how discrimination can affect others and how to respond responsibly when they witness unfair treatment.

*Link to HARI EDI Strategy

 

Curriculum and student development

Equality and inclusion are embedded across our curriculum and personal development programme.

Students learn about:

·Protected characteristics and equality rights

·Respectful relationships and communication

·Identity, diversity and belonging

·Challenging stereotypes and discrimination

·Social responsibility and life in modern Britain

Assemblies, Personal Development lessons, enrichment activities and awareness events provide further opportunities for learning and reflection.

These experiences help students develop empathy, understanding and confidence in creating inclusive communities.

*Link HARI EDI Strategy

 

Staff training and leadership

All staff share responsibility for creating a respectful and inclusive environment.

To support this, we provide:

·Professional development on equality and inclusion

·Training on responding to discriminatory language and behaviour

·Guidance for facilitating discussions on identity and sensitive issues

·Opportunities for reflection and professional dialogue

·Leadership teams regularly review practice, data and feedback to ensure consistency across the academy.

*Link HARI Equity Diversity Inclusion

 

Listening to Our Community

Student voice, staff voice and community engagement are central to our approach.

We regularly gather feedback through:

·Student Council and student leadership groups

·Surveys and focus groups

·Staff feedback and professional dialogue

·Parent and community engagement

This feedback helps us continually improve our policies, curriculum and school culture so that they reflect the needs and experiences of our community.

*Link HARI EDI One Page

 

Measuring Impact

We evaluate the impact of our equality, diversity and inclusion work through:

·Student and staff feedback

·Behaviour and safeguarding data

·Monitoring discriminatory incidents

·Participation in leadership and enrichment opportunities

·The quality of relationships across the academy

Success is evident when students and staff feel safe, respected and confident that their voices matter.

*Link HARI Equity Diversity Inclusion

 

Our Ongoing Commitment

Creating a truly inclusive school is an ongoing process. We continue to reflect, listen and improve so that Harris Academy Riverside remains a place where everyone feels they belong.

Through strong leadership, education and shared responsibility, we are building a community where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is practised and every individual is able to thrive.

*Link HARI Equity Diversity Inclusion