Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

'We believe that every individual has the right to be valued, respected and offered equal opportunities, access and treatment. STEP Academy Trust is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse culture and to eradicating discrimination and stereotyping to make our Academies truly inclusive and promote high achievement for all.'

-STEP Equality Policy, 2023

At Telscombe Cliffs Academy, staff and children are proud to champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our aim is to give visibility to the different layers of representation that exist in our school community and wider society. There is not a hierarchy, however we make equitable decisions to level the playing field or find balance where historically we have seen a lack of representation.

This is evident in our school in many ways; in our PSHE learning, in the rich texts we read by a range of authors with varied backgrounds, in our assemblies, and through the excellent work done by our Pupil Parliament.

RACE Charter Mark

Race and Conscious Equality (RACE) Charter Mark is for schools wishing to demonstrate their commitment to action and improvement in relation to race equality in all aspects of their work, as educators, employers and community leaders.

Developed by SSAT (the  Schools,  Students  and  Teachers  network) and  Fig  Tree  International, the Race and Conscious Equality (RACE) Charter Mark is for schools, academies and  colleges,  both in  the  state  and  private  sectors, in  the  UK  who  wish  to  demonstrate  their commitment  to  action  and  improvement  in  relation  to  race  equality in  all  aspects  of  their  work  as educators,  employers  and  community  leaders.

Telscombe Cliffs Academy has completed a comprehensive package of training for governors, senior leaders and middle leaders, and submitted an evaluation detailing their work towards equality so far and an action plan pledging their commitment to ongoing development in this area. Following this work, we were awarded the prestigious 'Bronze RACE Charter Mark'.

If you would like to find out more about STEP's antiracism policy please follow the link here Anti-racism and Diversity - STEP Academy Trust

Rights Respecting Schools Award

We are currently working towards achieving the 'Rights Respecting Schools' Silver Award. This award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond.

EDI calendar 2025/26

Each month in our school, we focus on a different aspect of Equality, Diverstiy and Inclusion in our assembly time. Children will learn about key figures who represent a variety groups within our society, learn about significant historical events, and consider current affairs relating to each theme.

This year in our EDI assemblies, the focus is:

September – Inclusion

Assembiles and events in school:

• UK National Inclusion week 
• Rights respecting schools 
• International day of peace 
• International day of sign languages 

October – Race Equality 

Assembiles and events in school:

• Black History Month
• Mental Health Day
• Jewish festivals
• Show racism the red card

November - Diversity and Respect 

Assembiles and events in school:

• Bonfire night 
• Rights respecting school quiz
• Remembrance Assembly 
• Anti-Bullying week
• Chrildren in Need 
• Pupil parliament 
• World children's day
• Odd socks day for anti-bullying 
• Inter-faith week

Activities and events in school 

Rights respecting school

At Telscombe Cliffs Academy, we are committed to providing a holistic education that empowers children to become confident, responsible, and respectful members of our community. A key part of this commitment is helping pupils understand their rights—such as the rights to be safe, to learn, and to be heard—which supports them in developing a strong sense of self‑worth.

Learning about children’s rights also nurtures mutual respect. Pupils come to understand that every child, everywhere, deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness. This knowledge not only strengthens their personal confidence but also reinforces our dedication to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment. We actively encourage children to express themselves, speak up respectfully, and take part in decisions that affect them.

To further support this learning, all pupils received a free illustrated booklet and poster outlining children’s rights. This was created in collaboration between STEP pupils and illustrators Pip Wilson and Ian Long, these engaging resources offer a fun and accessible way for families to explore children’s rights together, both in school and at home.

Show Racism the Red card

Telscombe Cliffs Academy is proud to stand by its pledge to be an anti‑racism establishment. This commitment was clearly demonstrated as pupils, families, and staff came together in a sea of red to support Show Racism the Red Card.

Show Racism the Red Card was founded in 1996 after Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop was subjected to racial abuse—an incident that inspired the creation of an organisation dedicated to educating people about racism and promoting anti‑racist attitudes.

In October, our focus has been on Black History Month. Weekly assemblies have celebrated Black history and introduced pupils to influential figures who have shaped society.

On Thursday 16th October, following a whole‑school assembly led by our Race Champion, Miss Bryden, every class took part in an afternoon of learning centered on identity, stereotypes, and allyship. These sessions encouraged thoughtful discussion and helped pupils deepen their understanding of how they can contribute to a fairer, more inclusive community.

Anti-bullying week 

On the 10th October, in line with our EDI calendar, the focus was anti‑bullying. On Monday, we celebrated Odd Socks Day with a whole‑school assembly, using resources from the Anti‑Bullying Alliance. The theme for this year was “Use Your Power For Good”, and we spoke about speaking out when we see any type of injustice. Children then completed additional lessons in their classrooms around anti‑bullying, including learning about the many roles involved.

Remembrance

On Tuesday 11th November, our new Pupil Parliament represented Telscombe Cliffs Academy at the Meridian Centre Memorial, accompanied by Mr Ediss. Earlier that morning, Mr Ediss delivered his annual Remembrance assembly, sharing his reflections on the significance of the day. He also read extracts from a book written by his father about life in an East Sussex village during the Second World War, offering pupils a personal insight into this period of history.

The children read two poems by Wilfred Owen—Dulce et Decorum Est and Anthem for Doomed Youth—to the assembled crowd. Owen died just one week before the Armistice was signed in November 1918, making the readings particularly poignant. A wreath was also laid on behalf of the academy.

Children in Need

Children and staff showed their support for Children In Need in a fun-filled day of fundraising. Dressed in vibrant spots and stripes, they participated in creative art activities and exciting challenges during the afternoon. The day was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together, have fun and make a difference. The enthusiasm and effort from all the children made it a truly memorable event. 

Inter-faith week

Inter Faith Week is an annual initiative in November that aims to strengthen relationships between people of different religious and non-religious beliefs, celebrate the diversity of faith communities in the UK, and increase understanding of their contributions to society.  The week's main objectives are to strengthen inter faith relations, highlight the positive contributions of faith communities, and promote understanding between people of different religious and non-religious beliefs. 

Mr Ediss led an assembly and spoke about Children’s Right Article 14: Freedom of thought and belief: Children have the right to hold their own thoughts, ideas, and beliefs without interference. He also spoke about the British Value of ’Mutual Respect and Tolerance’. This involves treating all individuals with respect, regardless of their background, and respecting diverse opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds.

At the end of the assembly, four volunteers, representing four different world religions came up to the front of the assembly to share facts about their faith. Jabir spoke about Islam, Grace spoke about Christianity, Aparna spoke about Hinduism and Taj spoke about Sikhism.

Please also see the Key Information pages of our website for further information and our policies in respect of Equalities, and Inclusion and SEND