School Environment - Case Study

Developing a school environment that is safe and welcoming to everyone is the foundation of building an inclusive school. The physical environment and verbal and visual communication are integral to the sense of belonging that the school setting can foster. It is important to consider how accessible and welcoming it is for all the school community. This is also fantastic opportunity to challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity.

School A provided training to develop staff confidence in LGBTQ+ issues and the school has now added students’ preferred gender identity to class seating plans to avoid misgendering students in lessons. A student-led assembly is planned where students will share the key messages on LGBTQ+ issues that they want the school community to understand. 

School B transformed their public spaces with displays that demonstrate and embrace diversity. The school has placed posters of diverse iconic figures in high footfall areas to raise visibility of diverse and inspirational role models. Examples include LGBTQ+ icons such as Alan Turing, Katherine Johnson, and Mary Jackson. The Science Department has also supported their display   through discussions and activities on diversity and famous scientists at key points in the curriculum. The representation of diversity is being further celebrated as a former student has been commissioned to design and paint a mural to represent inclusion and diversity within the school. 

Things to consider: 

• Are there any groups of people who are unable to access any school communications, or communicate with the school, in their current form? 
• Is the school entrance welcoming? Is information available in different languages and formats that is appropriate to your school community? 
• Does the school have an equality code of practice that everyone is familiar with? Is it displayed in the school entrance? 
• Are all staff confident in recognising and challenging discriminatory language? Is their language inclusive? 

How to achieve something similar in your school: 

• Give time for staff to do inclusive language training; we can raise a student’s sense of belonging and their aspirations by avoiding language that reinforces stereotypes or excludes certain groups. 
• Audit your communications through an inclusive lens, actively look for stereotypes and include diversity. 
• Select resources carefully, consider if they represent a diverse society; do they challenge stereotypes and raise aspirations of all students?
• Listen to the school community; where and how do they feel excluded? Consider the needs of individual students regarding changing, toilets, and other school areas.