Bath’s Wera Hobhouse MP enjoyed a story outdoors and a spot of gardening with the children at Sunbeams Nursery when she dropped in for an update on Roundhill Primary School’s work this year on equalities and diversity. Sunbeams children have been enjoying a new collection of storybooks from different cultures around the world, thanks to a generous donation from a friend of the school.
The team also gave the MP, who is the Equalities Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, a tour of the facilities and the opportunity to chat with the Head Teacher and staff about their experiences over the past year and their efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive curriculum and school.
Sue Adams, Head Teacher, was able to update the Bath MP with some of the other steps the school has taken, including an ‘Equity Audit’ involving staff, parents, children, drawing on many community viewpoints to identify areas the school needed to improve.
They reviewed the school’s resources, curriculum, assemblies and behaviour approach to ensure that equality is considered in everything they do. Since then, they have revamped the school library and book corners to include inclusive books for all ages and signed up to SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality) training for all staff.
“It is all about being reflective and proactive and as a school we have always tried to provide all our children with exactly what they need, from nursery through to Year 6,” said Sue Adams. “A large part of this is about listening to children and diverse points of view and this is something that is ingrained into the ethos of the school. It is about changing mindsets both for the children and staff and I am proud of the work we have done so far.’
Wera Hobhouse commented, “It is great to see progress towards creating a more open and inclusive society. Tackling unconscious bias and the implicit racism that happens every day is so important. I am committed to building an open, inclusive, and tolerant society and this work makes concrete steps towards achieving this.”