Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

At the Alliance of Leading Learning, we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity in both employment and education. We embrace diversity and uphold our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation across nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

These principles guide all aspects of our work—from staff and participants to our wider community. We recognise that true equality means responding to individual needs, not treating everyone identically. Our aim is to provide a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.

Meet the EDIB ambassadors

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Sian Newey

I wanted to become the EDIB (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging) lead because I am passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where every student and member of staff feels valued and respected. I believe that by celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion, we can help all students reach their full potential, both academically and personally. I am committed to challenging inequalities, raising awareness, and ensuring that everyone in our school community feels a true sense of belonging. Through this role, I aim to make a meaningful impact and create lasting change that benefits both our school and wider community.

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Hannah Webb

I’m an RE teacher and I’ve worked at SJT since starting as an NQT in 2014. I’ve always been passionate about equality and was lucky enough to see the work of The Proud Trust during my Teacher Training which really inspired me to champion equality and safe places where students felt they had the freedom to be themselves. From there I have set up an equality driven student group who proudly call themselves The ADC (Anti-Discrimination Club) and together we celebrate awareness days and work to educate the wider school on important topics.

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William Paterson

My name is William Paterson and I am the Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity and belonging Ambassador. EDIB is something close to my heart as I come from a religiously diverse background and grew up in a multi-cultural, LGBTQA+ safe environment. With every change and impact we make on our school community, the world changes for the better – EDIB really does change the world.

Whenever we involve EDIB our pupils leap at the chance to take their learning further. They adore the real life impact of their learning and as they progress through our curriculum they begin to flourish into empathetic, understanding and compassionate members of a global community.

Personally, to be the EDIB ambassador is one of the proudest aspects of my career and one that I will look back on fondly, as I hope our pupils will look back on their time within our care.

 

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Claudia Winstanley

I am Miss Winstanley and I am a Reception teacher and the EDIB Ambassador for The Grange Primary School. I have been teaching for 4 Year across KS2, KS1 and now EYFS. I became an EDIB ambassador this year where I have been welcomed by my colleagues into an amazing team. I wanted to become an EDIB ambassador as I feel its promotion of inclusion for all to foster that true sense of belonging not only in your school but in the wider world is one of the most important lessons we can endeavour to foster in children. Belonging and feeling comfortable in yourself, with your place in the world and having the confidence to celebrate that is a lesson which can shape a child as a person. I am also sight impaired myself and understand the impact being different can have on the way you view yourself and others perceive you.

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Miriam Marais

As an Ambassador for Shared Services, I am  proud and deeply grateful for the opportunity this role has given me. It has allowed me to grow personally—enhancing my skills in session design and facilitation—and professionally, through supporting colleagues via EDIB training.

I am passionate about the work we do as ambassadors and the positive, tangible changes we are driving in our organisation and communities. Witnessing this growth firsthand is inspiring.

Growing up in a predominantly white market town, I learned early on to advocate not just for myself, but for others. Seeing this work now embedded as a trust-wide initiative feels incredibly powerful—especially for the benefit of our children, young people, and staff.

This mission is deeply personal to me. My father and his family grew up in South Africa during Apartheid and were active members of the African National Congress (ANC). Their courage and commitment to justice have shaped my own purpose: to champion equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging for all—ensuring every group is not only safe, but celebrated.

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Lindsay Kelly

Hello, I’m Ms. Kelly – EDIB Ambassador at Shrewsbury Academy.
In addition to teaching dance and drama here at school and running a performing arts school, I also work as a mental health counsellor, both within the school and through a community-based service. I specialize in supporting young people, especially during the complex teenage years.

As the EDIB Ambassador (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging), my goal is to help create a school environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves.

I believe that when young people learn to understand their emotions and appreciate the uniqueness of others, they grow into confident, compassionate individuals – and that’s the kind of world we want to build together.

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Jill Leighton

I believe that every child, young person and adult deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. My passion for the role of EDIB ambassador stems from personal experiences and a deep desire to help create a school environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.

I want to be part of the change that ensures our school celebrates diversity in all its forms—whether that’s culture, identity, ability, or background.

As an EDIB Ambassador, I’m committed to listening with empathy, learning continuously, and helping to amplify voices that may not always be heard. I believe that small actions can lead to big changes, and I’m excited to work with others to build a more inclusive and respectful school community.

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Sarah Ryan

As both an EDIB Ambassador and Senior Mental Health Lead for Oakmeadow, I am passionate about creating a school environment where every child feels a true sense of belonging – the heart of equality, diversity, and inclusion. I believe that when children feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are, they thrive both emotionally and academically. My goal is to help build a community where differences are celebrated, voices are respected, and every child knows they matter. By championing belonging, I hope to inspire kindness, empathy, and unity across our school.

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Steven Cross

Steve is the EDIB ambassador for Longlands Primary School

Charlotte Martin

Charlotte is the EDIB ambassador for Idsall School

So what have the ambassadors been up to this Year?

Here is a brief summary of what each ambassador has accomplished in their setting:

 

MARCHES
At Marches, the spring term was rich with cultural celebration and awareness, from the Baba Marta festival and European Day of Languages to impactful Sixth Form assemblies on International Women’s Day. The school also promoted inclusion with a “Hands of Belonging” tree and celebrated Black British History through PE. A standout moment was the community-building Grease production, bringing joy and unity to the school.

SJT
SJT proudly continues its commitment to inclusivity, working towards the Rainbow Flag Award with four of six badges achieved. Staff engage in EDIB training, with recent CPD focusing on inclusive workplace language. The Anti-Discrimination Club led impactful assemblies on LGBT+ awareness and raised over £200 for men’s and women’s charities through bake sales, supporting positive change across the school.

TILSTOCK
Tilstock has celebrated a diverse range of events, from a vibrant Holi Festival to an inspiring Purple Day for epilepsy awareness. Their connection with Christ Church shone through the Saltmine Trust visit and the touching Mothering Sunday service. These experiences reflect the school’s nurturing values and strong sense of community spirit.

GROVE
Team Grove prioritises belonging, with initiatives like Mental Health First Aid training and trauma-informed teaching to help children feel secure and supported. Projects such as creating a ‘Heart Space’ and increasing community sporting events have further strengthened connections, making Grove a welcoming and inclusive environment.

LOWER HEATH
Lower Heath thrived this term through cultural exchange, creativity, and community engagement. Highlights included a performance of Wind in the Willows, “Children in Charge” Day, and sustainability projects like composting and growing vegetables. Their work with Nishkam Primary and local community groups has deepened cultural understanding and rooted the school in its local area.

LONGLANDS
Longlands continues to foster an inclusive culture through literature, art, and meaningful discussion of protected characteristics. From exploring diversity in Year 3 and 6 to celebrating artists like Alma Woodsey Thomas, children have developed empathy and confidence, knowing that perseverance and acceptance lead to great achievements.

SHREWSBURY ACADEMY
Shrewsbury Academy’s EDIB programme is thriving, with initiatives like “Ban the Banter” now embedded and pupil-led EDIB groups driving change. Increased reporting and reduced serious incidents show a school culture where diversity is valued and discrimination is challenged, creating a safe and inclusive space for all.

GRANGE
At Grange, inclusivity and student voice are central. The expanded nurture provision, active school council, and EDIB-focused classrooms have strengthened pupils’ sense of belonging. Through activities like litter picking and NSPCC workshops, children are empowered to take pride in their school and know their voices matter.

OAKMEADOW
Oakmeadow fosters belonging through shared worship, cultural exploration, and enrichment opportunities. From World Religion Day to “No Pens Day,” children celebrate heritage and language. Initiatives like Book Buddy sessions, a range of inclusive clubs, and a Year 6 residential at Arthog ensure every child feels valued and seen.

WOODLANDS
Woodlands has created a bright, inclusive learning environment with flexible furniture and personal laptops for all. New pupils are warmly welcomed, and a broad gym offering supports wellbeing for all interests. These improvements reinforce the school’s strong focus on belonging and individual support.

IDSALL
Idsall School champions EDIB through a student-led assembly programme and rich calendar of cultural observances. Engaging guest speakers, intergenerational projects, and inclusive reading materials promote empathy and understanding. The school’s outreach and in-school initiatives, like their Stonewall group, continue to foster a deeply inclusive community.


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