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Shirley Nursery and Primary School in Cambridge has become the first school in the country to be given a special award for its commitment to equality.
The Equalities Award recognises exceptional effort and commitment in promoting equality of opportunity, tackling discrimination and contributing to community cohesion.
It will receive the award – and be designated an Equalities Champion School – at a special assembly on October 18.
The award, promoted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, is a national award which requires schools to put together a portfolio of evidence which recognises and celebrates the work they do to promote equality and diversity.
Shirley Nursery and Primary School was chosen to participate in a pilot scheme during the summer term because of its existing good practice – as identified by OfSTED and Cambridgeshire County Council.
The school has approximately 400 pupils, over 50 per cent of whom come from a variety of different ethnic backgrounds. About 22 per cent of children come from Traveller backgrounds. Many pupils speak English as an additional language and across the school over 20 different languages are spoken.
To achieve the award, the school had to provide evidence to show they meet 63 different Equality indicators.
The award ceremony will be held at the school in Green End Road, Cambridge on Monday 18 October. It will be presented with the Equalities Award plaque by Dr Chris Derrington, who developed the initiative and is well known for her work in promoting equality and inclusive education.
Headteacher Angela Leach said: “We are delighted to have achieved this award, which recognises the work of staff and governors in promoting strong community values and equal opportunities for all pupils.”
Report from Cambridge Evening News October 2010
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