'The Parent Council (PC) had a few parent comments about anti-bullying policy and actions which led to a conversation about how the PC could support the parents/carers and school in this matter. The school team would be reviewing the school policy as a matter of course so we as a group chose to take a pro-active position. We wanted to support education, foster respect and promote healthy relationships. The opportunity to include related issues such as anti-racism and equality was supported by the members, and it developed into a week of activities and focus where we, and the school team, could enhance the home/school partnership approach.
We have currently held three annual Diversity and Inclusion Weeks. Activities such as Bhangra dancing, African drumming workshops and exploring the Black Lives Matter movement in school alongside suggested home activities to discuss and learn about family cultures and celebrate learning about cultures from around the world. The Pupil Council and Pupil Leadership team were involved in creating and delivering educational presentations on topics such as neurodiversity and prominent change makers. Diversity and Inclusion is an important element of Curriculum For Excellence: this week of focus was an effective tool to encourage involving families in children's learning and support the classroom learning. It is an important role of the PC to support all parents to be heard including those who feel they are not able to speak up. We hope that we demonstrated that the PC are actively looking to explore all options and opportunities to be inclusive and educating ourselves. The biggest success was the compilation of a Dean Park Primary School Diversity Cookbook. This project was launched at our second annual week. It included recipes from pupils, families, community groups, local businesses, change-makers, charities, politicians, prominent people, role models and diversity champions. Alongside special words written about diversity and inclusion and pupil artwork, it demonstrated the richness of culture in our community. The school, the PTA and Parent Council have funded the dance and music workshops so there was no cost to parents. The school was also supported by the local music festival with funds for musical experiences for the children. Most activities had no cost attached.'
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