Welcome
At Larwood School, equality and diversity are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be a community where every person – pupil, staff member, parent, and visitor – is respected, valued, and supported to thrive.
We believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. We celebrate difference, challenge prejudice, and work every day to ensure that each individual can contribute fully and achieve their potential.
Our Equality Vision
At Larwood School, we are committed to ensuring our staff and pupil community reflects the diversity of society. We strive to create a culture where:
Every individual is valued for who they are
Differences are celebrated and seen as strengths
Everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered
All voices are heard and all contributions matter
As a specialist SEMH school, we understand that some of our pupils have experienced discrimination, exclusion, or trauma in the past. Our equality work is trauma-informed and centres on rebuilding trust, belonging, and self-worth. We know that feeling valued and included is fundamental to learning and wellbeing.
Our Legal Duties
We meet our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from discrimination based on protected characteristics including:
Race
Disability
Gender
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
Pregnancy and maternity
Gender reassignment
Age (in employment contexts)
We actively fulfil our public sector equality duty through policies and practices that promote fairness and opportunity for all.
For further guidance on equality legislation in educational settings, visit the Department for Education guidance.
You can read our current Equality Objectives and Impact Report [here – link to document].
Our Equality Objectives
Larwood School stands firmly against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. We take a clear and consistent approach to ensure equality of opportunity throughout our community.
We are committed to:
Providing education tailored to each pupil’s individual needs, regardless of their background or personal characteristics
Ensuring every pupil has access to learning opportunities appropriate to their abilities and potential
Valuing diversity within our workforce, recognising that different perspectives and experiences strengthen our school
Maintaining strong connections with parents and the wider community to support effective education for all
Monitoring and addressing any gaps in attainment, attendance, or wellbeing linked to protected characteristics
Creating a curriculum that reflects diverse voices, stories, and histories
How We Promote Equality and Tackle Discrimination
Our Staff and Trustees:
- Treat all members of our community with respect and dignity
- Take responsibility for preventing and addressing discriminatory behaviour
- Support anyone experiencing discrimination, whether on or off school premises
- Follow fair and transparent recruitment and promotion practices
- Monitor representation and outcomes across all levels of the school
- Reflect on and challenge their own potential biases
- Build positive, respectful relationships with pupils’ families and communities
- Ensure school policies and practices reflect and respect our diverse population
For Our Pupils:
- Every pupil is valued as an individual and treated with respect
- Pupils learn about equality, rights, and respect as part of their personal, social, and emotional development
- Classroom discussions explore and address prejudice in its various forms
- We celebrate diversity through our curriculum, assemblies, school events, and daily life
- We adapt our teaching and environment to meet individual needs, including SEND and SEMH support
- Clear and accessible reporting procedures exist for pupils experiencing or witnessing discrimination
- All concerns are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and handled with care
- Support is provided for those experiencing discrimination
- Appropriate consequences follow any discriminatory behaviour
- Mutual respect and kindness are expected from all pupils
Our Core Values:
- Human dignity – recognising the worth of every individual
- Justice and fairness – upholding democratic principles and treating everyone equitably
- Commitment to equality – building relationships based on respect and opportunity
- Appreciation of diversity – embracing and learning from different cultures, identities, and experiences
Parents, Visitors, and Contractors:
- Parents’ contributions to our equality work are welcomed and valued
- We encourage open, honest communication if any incidents or concerns arise
- Clear reporting channels are available for parents concerned about discrimination
- We expect all visitors and contractors to uphold our equality standards and treat everyone with respect
Celebrating Diversity at Larwood
We don’t just challenge discrimination – we actively celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our school. Throughout the year, we:
- Mark cultural and awareness events such as Black History Month, Pride, Disability Awareness Week, and religious festivals
- Reflect diverse voices, histories, and role models in our curriculum and reading materials
- Work with community partners and external organisations to broaden pupils’ experiences and understanding
- Provide enrichment opportunities that help pupils appreciate different cultures, traditions, and perspectives
- Encourage pupils to share their own backgrounds, stories, and identities in a safe and supportive environment
How to Report a Concern
If you or your child experience or witness any form of discrimination, we want to know. Please contact:
- Your child’s class teacher
- The school office:
- Stevenage site: admin@larwood.org.uk
- Dunstable site: admincbc@larwood.org.uk
- Our Designated Safeguarding Lead or a member of the senior leadership team
All concerns are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled confidentially.
We are here to listen, support, and take action to ensure Larwood remains a safe and inclusive place for everyone.
Further Information
For more details about our approach to equality and diversity, please see:
- Our Equality Policy (available in the Policies section)
- Our SEND Policy
- Our Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policies
- Our Accessibility Plan
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our equality work, please contact the school office or speak to a member of the Senior Leadership Team. We welcome your feedback and involvement.
Larwood School – A place where everyone belongs.
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