Diversity, Equality, Inclusion,and Belonging (DEIB)
including British Values and Protected Characteristics
At Newstead Primary and Nursery School, we are dedicated to preparing our pupils to thrive as compassionate, confident, and responsible local and global citizens. Our school community is built upon two essential pillars: fostering a profound sense of inclusion and belonging, and championing the core values that prepare children for life in modern Britain.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
Building a culture where every person belongs
We want everyone who steps through the doors of Newstead Primary and Nursery School to feel an immediate, strong sense of belonging. We define belonging as the feeling of security and support that comes from true acceptance, inclusion, and a celebrated identity — an environment where every individual, pupil, staff member, and parent, can be their authentic self. We actively nurture this culture across four key areas:
01 · Environment
The Learning Environment
Diversity is visibly woven into our physical environment. We continuously ensure our surroundings, displays, and celebrations reflect the vibrant tapestry of human differences in our wider community, with all school events intentionally designed to be accessible and fully inclusive.
02 · Reading
Inclusive Representation in Reading
We regularly update our libraries and classrooms so our book collections act as both "mirrors and windows" — helping children connect with characters like themselves while opening windows into the lives of others. Our Little People, Big Dreams collection provides real-life role models linked across the curriculum.
03 · Curriculum
A Proactive Curriculum
Belonging and diversity are consciously embedded into day-to-day learning. We actively expose children to a diverse range of historical figures, modern role models, and professionals, challenging stereotypes and inviting members of our community to share their careers and life journeys.
04 · Enrichment
Cultural Enrichment
We broaden pupils' horizons through a deliberate programme of external visits, inspiring guest speakers, and local community events, encouraging open dialogue and teaching children to listen to others with respect and curiosity.
Our Commitment to Equity
We recognise that equity means understanding that not everyone starts from the same place. At Newstead, we commit to identifying and breaking down barriers — making the necessary adaptations to lessons, extra-curricular clubs, and school life so that every child can fully access our provision and succeed.
The Equality Act 2010 & Protected Characteristics
Protecting and celebrating every individual's rights
As part of our commitment to equity and inclusion, Newstead Primary and Nursery School fully embraces its duties under the Equality Act 2010. We actively eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster positive relationships across all aspects of school life. We ensure that our pupils, staff, families, and visitors are protected and celebrated regardless of the nine protected characteristics defined by law:
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Race
(including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)
Religion or belief
Marriage or civil partnership
Sex
Sexual orientation
Pregnancy and maternity
Through age-appropriate curriculum delivery, assemblies, and our day-to-day interactions, we teach our children to understand, respect, and defend these rights for everyone in our society.
Promoting Fundamental British Values
Democracy · Rule of Law · Individual Liberty · Mutual Respect & Tolerance
In accordance with the Department for Education, Newstead Primary and Nursery School actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These principles underpin our behavioural expectations and our Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) curriculum.
Elevating Pupil Voice
Democracy
We believe that learning the principles of democracy begins with having a voice.
- Elected Leadership: Pupils experience the democratic process first-hand through the annual election of our Pupil Parliament, with representatives chosen via a democratic secret ballot.
- Active Participation: Through pupil questionnaires, pupil voice activities, and Pupil Parliament meetings and assemblies, children know their opinions are heard and can directly influence school decisions and community initiatives.
Safety, Trust & Responsibility
The Rule of Law
Understanding why rules exist is foundational to a safe and harmonious society.
- A Shared Code: Whether governing a classroom, the playground, or the country, laws are consistently reinforced through a transparent framework that rewards positive choices and outlines fair, logical consequences.
- Community Links: We regularly welcome external partners, such as the local police, fire service, and community leaders, to help children understand the civil law of England and their responsibilities within it.
Empowering Personal Choice
Individual Liberty
Within a safe, structured, and supportive environment, we empower our pupils to exercise their personal freedoms and make independent choices.
- Safe Boundaries: We cultivate self-esteem and self-confidence by teaching children how to make healthy choices safely, taught explicitly through PSHE and our comprehensive Online Safety (E-Safety) curriculum.
- Autonomy in Learning: Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their education, choosing their own level of challenge, deciding how to express their creativity, or choosing from our wide range of extra-curricular clubs.
Celebrating Difference
Mutual Respect and Tolerance
Respect is the heartbeat of Newstead. We take pride in cultivating an atmosphere where individual differences are not merely tolerated, but deeply valued.
- An Inclusive Ethos: Through collective assemblies, Religious Education (RE), and PSHE/RSHE, pupils discover a variety of cultures, worldviews, lifestyles, and faiths.
- Challenging Prejudice: We actively teach children to recognise and stand up to prejudice, bullying, and discriminatory behaviour, supporting staff, parents, and pupils to challenge any views that contradict an ethos of equality.
By exploring both our local heritage in Nottinghamshire and the wider global society, our children learn to navigate a diverse world with empathy and respect.