Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

 

Our school is situated in Enfield, home to one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse populations in London, with over 178 languages and dialects spoken. We are privileged here at St Ignatius College to have such a diverse cohort and all staff and students have a right to feel safe and represented within school. Our students are growing up in a heterogenous society where they are surrounded by various viewpoints towards minority groups. It is essential we equip them with knowledge, raise awareness, and continue to be compassionate and generous toward minority groups, in line with our beliefs as a Jesuit school.

The Equality Act 2010 was introduced to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and advance equality of opportunity. We commit to fully embracing and safeguarding those with protected characteristics, and ensuring they feel safe, understood and free to be the individual God made them to be.

 

Ethos

The College places a focus on cura personalis - the education and personal development of the whole person. We endeavour to adopt an inclusive and supportive environment where students and staff are given the opportunity to be heard. All in our community have the right to feel safe, secure and valued.

We stand against harassment, less favourable treatment or discrimination because of age; any disability; ethnicity, colour or national origin; gender, gender identity or reassignment; sexual orientation; marital or civil partnership status, or having recently had a baby; and religion or beliefs.

 

Equality Objectives:

1. To promote cultural understanding and awareness, valuing and celebrating various cultures and religious beliefs amongst different ethnic groups within our school community.

2. To monitor and promote the involvement of all groups of students in the extra-curricular life of the school, including leadership opportunities

3. To actively close gaps in attainment and achievement between students and all groups of students; especially students eligible for free-school meals, students with special educational needs and disabilities, looked after children and students from minority ethnic groups

4. To provide appropriate and early pastoral interventions for students to promote positive behaviour and inclusion, especially for those groups over-represented in behaviour data (including students with special educational needs)

5. To provide role-models for all students, ensuring diversity in the staff body, visiting speakers and in leadership roles

6. To reduce the incidence of the use of discriminatory language and prejudice-based bullying by students in the school.

7. To ensure the consistent recording, reporting and action by all following incidents of discriminatory language and behaviour, including bullying.

8. To review relevant school policies and publications to ensure they clearly reflect the aim of inclusivity.

We need all in our community to unlearn that speaking out and challenging discrimination is uncomfortable. In order to ensure we are using the correct language, we have launched the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Hub. It is a central repository for information on EDI to facilitate ongoing dialogue among parents, students, staff, and other stakeholders. Please find the EDI hub by following the link below:

https://padlet.com/ngeruk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-zroxyely8efr9ebv

Please click here to download a copy of the letter sent to parents and carers 25 June 2024.

Any queries regarding EDI should be addressed to the EDI Lead:

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead: Miss K Ngeru

Email: enquiries@st-ignatius.enfield.sch.uk