Education across the UK is facing a uniquely difficult moment, facing the twin challenges of ensuring student and staff health amid a pandemic, while also ensuring continuity of learning.
In the immediate future, the imperative is to successfully operate through the pandemic.
While challenges remain, there are also opportunities to seize the moment and reimagine how we can empower professionals to deliver the best post-pandemic education possible.
Diversity in Schools
How diverse is education today? Pearson’s Diversity and Inclusion in Schools report reveals that four in five (80%) UK teachers believe more can be done to celebrate diverse cultures, people and experiences in UK education.
Although critically important, championing greater diversity in education extends beyond an inclusive curriculum. Yes, pupils need to feel more reflected in what they see and learn, but they also need inspiring role models from all walks of life to learn from. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds continues to increase. But that is not being reflected at a governor or senior leader level. For example, just 5% of governors in state schools in England are from minority ethnic backgrounds – a figure unchanged for the last 20 years.
Creating an intentionally inclusive future school is hard. However, it is near impossible if we do not apply a ‘whole body’ approach that recognises the importance of holistic representation. From supporting Governors and Senior Staff by building confidence and understanding; to ensuring all children – of all backgrounds and abilities – feel that they belong in education; it is imperative that we listen, learn and take action to ensure happy and healthy schools.
Equality Survey
To gain better baseline insight for schools in Wandsworth, Smart School’s Governor Services and the Research & Evaluation Unit are undertaking a borough-wide Equality Survey. The results will be available to all Governor Services subscribers, offering benchmarking insight to influence service development.
Training to Diversify Governors Boards
In Spring 2022, Sharon Warmington, founder of the National Black Governors Network (NBGN), will be running training in Wandsworth. Giving senior school leaders and school chairs the opportunity to discuss and develop strategies for diversifying boards.
Diversity Media Campaign
Acting on behalf of subscribers to Governor Services, Smart School Services creates traction through media campaigns. Families London South West magazine has been carrying positive imagery to encourage engagement in school governorship.