COMMUNITY COHESION

At St. Michael’s we firmly believe that a cohesive community is one where:

• There is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all communities;

• The diversity of people’s different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued;

• Those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities; and

• Strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds and circumstances in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.

Promoting community cohesion at St. Michael's

At St. Michael’s, we believe that community cohesion plays an extremely important role in a child’s education and development, equipping them with valuable life skills. We are therefore very proud of our happy caring community atmosphere where children can develop as individuals but still be part of our Christian family. We are constantly seeking to encourage children to understand their role in the school, local and global communities and to become responsible junior citizens. 

St. Michael’s is part of a wonderful community that we value greatly; as a school we strive to make positive contributions to the lives of those around us, for example by writing Christmas cards for local elderly residents as part of Age UK Wandsworth's 'Operation Christmas Cheer.'

All staff have received training in promoting citizenship, British values and community cohesion.  They have also received PREVENT Training so that any extremist views can be identified and challenged.

Equality and diversity

St Michael’s recognises its duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. We have due regard to the need to:

• eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act;

• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not; and

• foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

At St Michael’s, we are committed to promoting equality, inclusion and community cohesion and to eliminating discrimination and harassment. Through our Christian vision and values, and our commitment to the Fundamental British Values, we seek to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect and has the opportunity to participate fully in the life of our school.

How we meet the Public Sector Equality Duty?

Eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation

We promote a culture in which prejudice and discriminatory behaviour are challenged. Our behaviour, safeguarding and anti-bullying procedures support pupils to feel safe and respected. Discriminatory and prejudicial incidents are recorded, responded to and monitored so that patterns can be identified and appropriate action taken. We make reasonable adjustments for pupils with disabilities and additional needs and seek to remove barriers to their participation in school life.

Advancing equality of opportunity

We monitor information including attainment, progress, attendance and behaviour to identify differences between groups of pupils and barriers that may affect their achievement or participation.

Our school improvement work includes a particular focus on disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND. We seek to provide inclusive classroom practice, adaptive teaching and appropriate support so that pupils can access learning and participate alongside their peers.

We also monitor access to the wider life of the school. All pupils have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, enrichment and pupil leadership. Where financial circumstances could create a barrier, we provide additional support, including access to a funded extracurricular club for disadvantaged pupils and support towards the Year 6 residential where appropriate.

Fostering good relations

Our curriculum, collective worship and wider personal development provision encourage pupils to understand and respect people with different backgrounds, cultures, faiths, beliefs and experiences.

Pupils learn about Fundamental British Values and the importance of mutual respect and tolerance. Through Religious Education, Relationships and Health Education, the wider curriculum, charitable activities, pupil leadership and links with our local community, pupils are encouraged to understand their responsibilities towards others and to contribute positively to their school, local and wider communities.

We challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discriminatory language and provide age-appropriate opportunities for pupils to learn about diversity and the protected characteristics.

Monitoring and reviewing our equality information

School leaders monitor the experiences and outcomes of different groups of pupils through our ongoing school evaluation and improvement processes. This includes, where appropriate, consideration of attainment and progress, attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, SEND, participation and personal development.

Where monitoring identifies disparities, barriers or patterns of concern, leaders consider what further action is required.

The Governing Body has oversight of the school’s responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

This equality information was reviewed in September 2026 and will be reviewed at least annually.

Our Equality Objectives 2024–2027 are published separately and set out the specific equality priorities we are working towards.  

• Equality Objectives 2024-2027

Accessibility Plan

As part of our duties under the Equalities Act 2010 and St. Michael’s aims to continue to improve access for disabled pupils, staff and visitors to the school and to increase access to the curriculum for pupils with a disability.  The Headteacher and Board of Governors have updated our Accessibility Plan, which sets out how this can be achieved. Please refer to the School Policies tab for our Accessibility Policy.