Blog
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Matters
26th September 2022
Black pupils are three times more likely to be excluded than their white peers.
- DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Over three quarters (77%) of children in pupil referral units (PRUs) have SEND.
- THE CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER
BAME communities have consistently encountered disproportionately higher levels of food insecurity compared with white ethnic groups.
- THE FOOD FOUNDATION
"Inclusivity is really important to us at TLG. Our desire is to recognise and respond to the universal needs of children and families we work with and provide every child with an opportunity to reach their full potential,” these are the words of TLG’s Head of Inclusion Abigail Anjorin, on why this is such an important issue.
“In my role, we are championing a commitment to changing and challenging narratives and labels. Through our programmes, we see children and families respond to care and support without judgement - grow in confidence, self-esteem and become empowered to write a new narrative, a new story.
For TLG, this has to be an active and intentional journey as we steer our way to better inclusion, belonging and equity.
As a Black British-African woman, raised and educated in the state system and identified as having dyslexic traits, I am familiar with the ache of low esteem and self-doubt felt by so many children and young people. The school environment was at times a place of anxiety for me but owing to a network of support, that wasn’t the end of my story.
With a passion to help others in education, I became a Secondary School Teacher. Over these years it has been a blessing and privilege to support and learn from a variety of families and young people from all walks of life, lived experiences and stories. I have seen how adverse structures and attitudes embedded in our systems often mean that the needs and narrative of children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), from UK ethnic minority heritage or families from areas of high deprivation are misrepresented.
Practising inclusion is essential and helps to remove barriers to belonging and equity. But we do so, knowing that we too are on that journey. We must create a safe space for learning and accountability. It is an ongoing journey of reflection, vulnerability and action for us all.”
