Race Equality at Downderry

Downderry Primary School sits within the ward of Downham, where 46.5% of residents are from Black, Asian, Minority or Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. This is reflected in the diverse pupil population, which comprises over 21 different ethnic groups. The school has no religious affiliation, with all cultures represented within the school celebrated.

Downderry is opposed to all forms of prejudice and we recognise that children and young people who experience any form of prejudice related discrimination may fair less well in the education system.  We are committed to standing against racism and injustice and alongside and in solidarity with all members of the community we serve.

We welcome our duties under the Equality Act and the combined equality duty. We understand the principal of the act and the work needed to ensure that those with protected characteristics are not discriminated against and are given equality of opportunity.

We are committed to closing the attainment gap for all underachieving groups, enabling all children to achieve their full potential. In doing so we support Lewisham’s Race Equality Pledge, to tackle race inequality and address Black Caribbean heritage and Black and Minority Ethnic under achievement across the borough of Lewisham.

Race Equality - Pledge

We are expecting all Lewisham schools to publicly sign up to a pledge to tackle race inequality in Lewisham schools.

This will entail a commitment to:

• Targeting ambitious outcomes for Black Caribbean heritage and Black and Minority Ethnic pupils.
• Reducing exclusions of Black Caribbean heritage pupils at all ages.
• Leaders and governors taking a whole school approach to embedding race equality.
• Transparent reporting and sharing of borough wide data trends.
• Working together in new ways and sharing good practice to embed race equality in our school cultures and curriculum.
• Actively developing high quality relationships with Black Caribbean heritage and Black and Minority Ethnic pupils and their parents. 
• Improving Black representation in school leadership and governing bodies
• Lewisham schools holding each other to account. Lewisham Learning and Lewisham Council will internally support and challenge, including reporting annually to the Council, on the progress that is being made across Lewisham.

The Halo Code

Downderry Primary school is committed to working towards creating a world without discrimination and believe that no-one should have to change their natural hairstyle in order to thrive.

We hope that the Halo Code will move us one step closer to a world free from discrimination, where all Black members of our community have their identities fully recognised and celebrated.

No Black staff or students should have to change their natural or protective hairstyle in order to thrive at our school. 

Our school champions the right of staff and students to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black staff and students’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We welcome Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps.

At this school, we recognise and celebrate our staff and students’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on anyone's ability to succeed.