Schools which encourage pupils to value everyone and celebrate the differences between people and cultures will be honoured at a special event next month.
At the event, held at the Guildhall, Bath, on Thursday 6 October, the Council will award four schools from the area with the Inclusion Quality Mark, bringing the total number of schools in the area with this stamp of approval to 33.
The Inclusion Quality Mark is awarded to schools which are particularly effective in helping pupils to see that people can be different and that everyone should be valued and treated equally. This includes everything from learning about different cultures and religions to initiatives that help to prevent bullying.
The four schools set to receive the award are:
* Bathampton Primary School
* High Littleton Church of England Primary School
* St. Andrew’s Church of England Primary School
* Three Ways Special School.
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, will present certificates to the schools. He said: “We are extremely proud of everyone involved in initiatives designed to celebrate the diversity of our vibrant communities. The Inclusion Quality Mark recognises the valuable work our schools do in helping Bath & North East Somerset Council to improve the life chances of children and young people and build communities where people feel safe and secure.”
Around 150 children are expected to attend the event along with their parents, teachers and governors from the schools. Representatives from the four schools will also take part in presentations based on the inclusive theme, featuring songs and an instrumental arrangement.
Bath & North East Somerset Council supports all schools taking part in the scheme and gives advice on how schools can meet the requirements of the award, which has a three year life span.
Six schools which have renewed their Inclusion Quality Mark will also be at the event: Combe Down Church of England Primary School; Freshford Church of England Primary School; Oldfield School; Peasedown St. John Primary School; St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Timsbury, and St. Michael’s Church of England Junior School.
The Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Peter Edwards will present all ten schools with brass plaques.
Schools wishing to find out how they can work towards the Inclusion Quality Awards should visit http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/InclusionQualityMark, [email protected] or call 01225 394492.