Chigwell School Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Statement
At Chigwell School, we are committed to building a community where diversity is celebrated, equity is pursued, inclusion is intentional, and everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging. We want every pupil, member of staff, and parent to feel safe and supported in bringing their full selves to school each day.
We believe that a culture rooted in respect and kindness allows individuals to thrive. By listening to and learning from the diverse voices within our community, we foster an environment of openness and curiosity. We value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each person brings, and we recognise that our strength lies in this diversity.
Our Definitions
• Diversity: The presence of differences that enrich our community this includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and lived experiences.
• Equity: Recognising that equal treatment does not always result in equal opportunity. We aim to remove barriers so that everyone can access the same opportunities.
• Inclusion: The active and ongoing effort to ensure that every individual feels respected, accepted, and able to participate fully in school life.
• Belonging: The outcome of inclusion when individuals feel seen, heard, and valued as integral members of the community.
Why DEIB matters at Chigwell
We welcome pupils from all backgrounds and want every student to feel happy, valued, and engaged in every aspect of school life. Our DEIB vision aligns with Chigwell School’s core values:
• Happiness First
• Innovative Approach
• Courage and Resilience
• Community of Kindness
• Lifelong Learning
We aim to create a school where every individual regardless of background has the tools and support to connect their passions with their potential. This commitment begins with our people, our expectations, and our leadership, and is grounded in decency, dignity, and inclusion.
Our Legal and Professional Responsibilities
Chigwell School does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We are guided by our legal and regulatory responsibilities, including:
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Independent School Standards
• Teachers’ Standards
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
Our Commitment
We are embedding DEIB into the fabric of school life through a range of initiatives, including:
• A three-year training programme with Being Luminary on inclusive leadership, anti-racism, and cultural competency
• Engagement with parents and carers to co-create a more inclusive environment
• Opportunities for students and staff to share experiences
• A curriculum that reflects diverse histories, voices, and contributions
• Empowering student leadership to celebrate identity
• Reviewing systems to ensure fair access to staff development
• Promoting a culture of kindness, respect, and curiosity
• Creating spaces for shared experiences and support
• Organising awareness events and campaigns
• Using inclusive, respectful, and unbiased language
• Providing regular DEIB training and professional development
Our DEIB Journey So Far
• Senior and Middle Leadership Teams completed DEI training with Being Luminary
• Equality Ambassadors led assemblies for key awareness events
• Collaborated with Just Like Us to raise LGBT+ awareness during Pride Month
• Built partnerships with the African Caribbean Educators Network and Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation
• Established a DEI staff working group
• Hosted author Bali Rai for a Year 9 DEI workshop
• Welcomed Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock to speak on women in STEM and neurodiversity
• Created a guidance document on Identity-Based Harm
• Reviewed internal policies to align with DEIB principles
• Became a Gender Action Initiator School through the Mission 44 programme
• Developed and enriched the PSHE programme
Looking Ahead:
We will focus on four key areas:
• Professional Learning - To build staff confidence in addressing identity-related issues, we will continue working alongside Being Luminary. This will begin with a keynote by Angie Browne on 1st September 2025, followed by in-person training for Middle Leaders. The focus will be on equipping staff to challenge prejudice and discrimination related to identity and protected characteristics. This training will run alongside the implementation of our Identity-Based Harm Guidance.
• Culture and Identity – Defining what it means to be part of the Chigwell School community today and in the future. We will engage staff, students, and parents through forums, surveys, and open dialogue to co-create a shared understanding of our values, identity, and aspirations as an inclusive school.
• Student Voice – Expanding opportunities for pupils to shape and lead DEIB work
• Policy – reviewing school policies and governance structures through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This work will ensure our policies actively promote fairness, challenge bias, and reflect our values across all areas of school life.