By Guest Blogger Kate Williamson, Darras Hall Primary School
As educators, we know the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all our students. While many schools have a School Council or an Eco Council, a Diversity Council can play a pivotal role in promoting inclusion, celebrating cultural diversity, and addressing the needs of all students. Two years ago, we launched our own Diversity Council, bringing together students from Reception to Year 6 to champion these values. Since then, other schools in our trust have approached us, eager to set up their own. Here's my advice to teachers looking to establish a Diversity Council in their school.
1. Set Up an Election to Involve All Students 🗳️
Treat your Diversity Council with the same importance as your School and Eco Councils. It's essential that your Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is on board and committed to the vision of diversity and inclusion too. Start by holding elections to give students a voice in the selection of council members. The elections can be a great opportunity for students to express their views and aspirations for the council. Encourage students to write speeches or create campaigns, especially older children, to share what they would like to change or celebrate in terms of diversity. This process ensures that your council reflects the broad and diverse community within your school.
Additionally, encourage participation from a wide range of students. I always welcome every child who is interested, as it's important to include voices from all backgrounds. The diversity of the group will help foster a rich range of ideas and perspectives in council discussions.
2. Focus on One Project Every Half-Term 🔍
When I first started, I tried to link every project to a different area of the Equality Act, but this approach often resulted in incomplete or rushed initiatives. Over time, I’ve found that focusing on one project every half-term yields more meaningful outcomes. These projects could include themes like Black History Month, Diversity Week, or International Women’s Day, to name a few.
Each project should have a clear, impactful goal. For example, our students have created posters for International Women’s Day, produced videos about LGBT+ History Month, and contributed to the UN Rights of the Child Christmas Tree by making gratitude baubles. These projects are engaging and allow students across the school, even those not in the council, to get involved.
To keep ideas fresh, I encourage the council to bring their own suggestions forward. For instance, last year, the students identified a gap in our work regarding hidden disabilities. With a growing number of SEND students, they proposed creating calm spaces and designing jigsaw pieces that could be displayed around the school. These proactive initiatives allow the council to make a real, positive impact on the school community.
3. Reach Out and Build Partnerships 🤝
Creating links with external organisations and local charities can provide valuable resources and insights for your projects. Bringing in guest speakers or collaborating with outside groups helps to ground the work of the council in real-world experiences. For instance, during Diversity Week, a parent from our school who works as the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) lead at SAGE reached out to offer to speak about her role. This not only inspired the students but also gave them a glimpse into potential future careers in diversity and inclusion.
For primary schools, many resources and support groups tend to focus on older students. However, I’ve found that Pop'n'Olly offer a wealth of resources that are specifically tailored for younger age groups, from Reception through to Year 6. Their books and materials have been invaluable in supporting our council’s initiatives and making complex issues accessible to younger children. Another great organisation is Just Like Us who have resources targeted to each key stage; the curriculum resources include SEND and story time videos as well as assemblies and circle time discussions.
4. Hold a Pupil Voice Survey to Gather Feedback 💬
The children will have the best ideas about how to improve inclusivity and diversity in your school. A great starting point is conducting a pupil voice survey. Ask council members to speak with their peers and gather feedback on how diverse they feel the school curriculum is, particularly when studying historical figures or reading literature.
One simple, but effective, change could be to introduce alternative individuals who break gender or racial stereotypes in History or other foundation subjects. For example, if you’re studying famous scientists, consider introducing lesser-known figures who challenge traditional norms, such as women or people of color in scientific fields.
Also, focus on the diversity of the books and authors your students are exposed to. Ensure that your school library is stocked with books that represent a range of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. We have found it helpful to create a list of “class favourites” that includes a mix of genres—fiction, poetry, non-fiction—and always includes a book that represents diversity. This ensures that diversity is woven into our reading culture consistently throughout the year.
5. Celebrate and Share Your Successes 🎉
It’s important to celebrate the work of your Diversity Council and share their achievements with the wider school community. This could be through a noticeboard, a video competition, or a special celebration assembly. Acknowledge the hard work of the students, as it motivates them and shows the wider school that inclusion is a priority.
Don’t forget to involve parents and other stakeholders by sharing updates on your school website or social media channels. Celebrate the successes of your Diversity Council loudly and proudly! By giving them visibility, you demonstrate that diversity is a fundamental value in your school, which encourages others to join in and contribute.
Starting a Diversity Council is an incredible way to empower students, promote inclusion, and make sure every child’s voice is heard. By following these steps, you'll create a space where diversity is not only celebrated but actively embraced, making your school a better place for everyone.
If you need more ideas and resources to get started, don’t hesitate to check out Pop'n'Olly—they offer fantastic, inclusive materials that can support every stage of your Diversity Council's journey!
Summary:
Set up elections for council members: Encourage student involvement by holding elections, where students can campaign and express their views, ensuring diverse representation across the school.
Focus on one project per half-term: Plan impactful, focused initiatives involving the wider school community and addressing relevant issues identified by the council.
Build partnerships with external groups: Collaborate with charities, guest speakers, and resources like Pop’n’Olly to enrich the council’s initiatives and make diversity work more meaningful.
Celebrate and share successes: Highlight the council's achievements through school-wide displays, assemblies, or social media, and involve parents and stakeholders in celebrating diversity efforts.
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