What is community cohesion? Working towards a society in which there is a common vision and sense of belonging by all communities; a society in which the diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and valued; a society in which similar life opportunities are available to all; and a society in which strong and positive relationships exist and continue to be developed in the workplace, in schools and in the wider community. Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, speaking in Parliament on 2 November 2006 'We must make sure community cohesion becomes part of every school’s ethos to celebrate diversity and recognise common values. There’ll be different challenges for different schools but it’s now on the agenda for them all.' Adrian Gray, Head of Institutional Inspections and Frameworks, Ofsted
What does equalities and community cohesion look like at Lapage Primary School & Nursery?
Background of Lapage Primary School We are a large primary school with 730 pupils on roll. The very large majority of pupils come from minority ethnic backgrounds. The largest groups are represented by pupils of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, with a growing number of Eastern European children. The proportion of pupils in the early stages of learning English as an additional language is well above average.
Visitors coming into school Teaching, learning and curriculum Various artists Teacher talking about her Christian faith Nurses Police Fire Safety officers
Teaching, learning and curriculum Children learn to understand others, to value diversity whilst also promoting shared values. Children learnt about Buddhism and made models. Learning about sacred texts in different religions.
Children learn to understand others, to value diversity whilst also promoting shared values.
Teaching, learning and curriculum School Trips Local areaRoman Festival in Saltaire The History of Saltaire Visiting the Gurdwara School Residentials
Understanding others and valuing diversity Teaching, learning and curriculum Learning about African Culture Celebrating Black History Month
Teaching, learning and curriculum Understanding others and valuing diversity Books from different cultures in reading corner and for home reading.
Teaching, learning and curriculum Understanding others and valuing diversity Children new to Lapage Pupils respect each other’s backgrounds and cultures and say that bullying is extremely rare. They are fully aware of the various forms of bullying, as it is often the subject of assemblies and class discussions. Lapage OFTED Report January 2013
Teaching, learning and curriculum Biographies
Celebrations Teaching, learning and curriculum Understanding others and valuing diversity
Teaching, learning and curriculum Promoting Shared values in assembly
Equity and excellence Helping all pupils to succeed Celebrating achievement Bicycle project Horse riding Bowling Go-karting Celebration assembly
Resources and learning environment to support children’s learning. Equity and excellence Helping all pupils to succeed
Adapting the curriculum and teaching style to meet the needs of all groups of children. Children with behavioural and emotional difficulties. Equity and excellence Helping all pupils to succeed Nurture children Additional Staff for NTE children.
Engagement and extended services Interaction and building positive relations Children sharing learning with parents Learning how to share and work as a team. Comic Relief day Celebrating World Book Day
Engagement and extended services Interaction and building positive relations Links with local secondary school. Year 6 children cover some of the science topics through investigations.
Engagement and extended services Interaction and building positive relations Opportunities for pupils, families and the wider community to take part in activities and receive services which build positive interaction and achievement for all groups. After school clubs/weekend and holiday activities Business Enterprise Olympic celebrations at Lapage Winter Fair at Lapage
Engagement and extended services Interaction and building positive relations Healthy Breakfast event for parents and children Sewing classes The work of the community inclusion officer has been pivotal in enhancing communication between home and school. OFSTED Report January 2013
Interaction and building positive relations Faith in the Community – Linking with other schools across Bradford and discussing what Faith is.
Interaction and building positive relations
links with different schools and communities Linking Schools: Dadyal in Pakistan
Partnership work with local primary and secondary schools, including Delius special school Linking schools project Fund raising events held at school at the weekends. Day trips out for families during half term Y4, 5 and 6 film club- celebrating the influential role of Bradford in film and cinema. Took part in restoration of old cinemas in Bradford 7. Year 6 participating in the Routes to Peace event in Centenary Square, Bradford. Year 4 experiencing a variety of musical instruments from around the world – Kala Sangam, Bradford Professional story teller working with Year 1 Parents classes- Health and Fitness, English, Sewing with possibilities of qualifications. P.E. links with high schools to compete with other schools in the area. Sports coaches/equipment- P.E. partnerships. Bradford Bulls Coaching. Cycling project for Years 5 and 6. (working alongside West Yorkshire Police). Links with Jordan and Dadyal- Links with head teacher’s forum. Visits to local places of worship- Sikh temples and churches. Faith in the Community event. Madrassah Networks – networking and working with different faiths in the communities. More community cohesion in school