Equality & Diversity
Equality and Diversity at Nicol Mere
At Nicol Mere, we are proud to be an inclusive, respectful and welcoming school community where everyone is valued and treated equally. We actively celebrate difference and diversity, while working to ensure all our pupils feel seen, safe, and supported.
We believe in creating a culture of fairness where children are free from discrimination and are empowered to understand, appreciate and embrace the richness of our multicultural society.
Our Commitment to Equality
Under the Equality Act 2010, schools are required to protect individuals from discrimination, harassment and victimisation based on specific protected characteristics. These include:
Gender
Race or ethnicity
Disability
Religion or belief
Gender reassignment
Sexual orientation
Pregnancy or maternity
As part of this duty, we aim to:
Eliminate discrimination in all its forms
Advance equality of opportunity for all pupils
Foster good relationships between people from all backgrounds
Our Equality Objectives
As part of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), we regularly review and publish measurable objectives that show our commitment to removing barriers and ensuring everyone thrives. Our objectives are informed by data and the evolving needs of our community and are reviewed at least every four years.
You can view our current Equality Objectives by clicking here.
Part of Our Everyday Learning
Our PSHE curriculum, particularly through the Keeping Ourselves Safe and Healthy scheme, ensures that children regularly explore the value of diversity, inclusion, respect and belonging. These lessons give children the tools to understand the world around them and contribute positively to society.
Together, we are building a school—and a future—where difference is celebrated and everyone belongs.
Promoting Diversity Across School Life
Diversity isn’t just taught at Nicol Mere—it’s lived. We celebrate differences in meaningful ways across the curriculum and school environment. Here’s how we do it:
Encouraging Interaction
We believe that real connection builds understanding. Children work together in lessons, welcome visitors, and go on local and wider community trips to meet and learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences.
Learning About Difference
From RE and History to Geography, English and the Arts, our curriculum is rich with opportunities to explore different cultures, belief systems and perspectives. Children share their own backgrounds, stories and traditions, building a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
Challenging Stereotypes
Our staff actively challenge bias and promote diversity. For example, in Maths or Science, we reference diverse role models from a variety of cultures. In Art, we discuss how women artists have been underrepresented throughout history—and why that matters.
Building Empathy
Children are supported to see the world through others’ eyes. Through role-play, creative writing, and historical case studies, they explore what it’s like to experience injustice or discrimination—and are empowered to stand up for fairness and equality.
Celebrating Cultural Identity
Whether it’s trying food from around the world, celebrating Diwali or Chinese New Year, or simply learning a few phrases in French, we love celebrating the many cultures that make up our school family. Displays, assemblies, themed days and classroom resources reflect this commitment all year round.