LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
INTERVIEW
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in schools We speak to VISHALIE YADAV, of the Bedfordshire Schools Trust, lead teacher for equality and diversity, about how they have promoted equality, diversity and inclusion in their trust - and how you can do the same in your school Start by telling us a little bit about your trust. The Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) comprises 10 schools - four lower schools, two primary schools, a middle school, two extended secondary schools, and one upper school. We also have five nurseries. Our trust strives to deliver great outcomes and opportunities for our students by offering them extensive curricular and extracurricular opportunities, because we aim to grow the ‘BEST’ in everybody. What is your role in the trust? I have recently been appointed as the lead teacher for equality, diversity, and inclusion across the trust - but I’m also the lead teacher at Samuel Whitbread, which is my base-school, for equality and diversity as well.
12
February 2022
What do equality, diversity and inclusion mean to you? Ultimately, equality, diversity, inclusion mean acceptance. Acceptance of the idea that you can be whoever you want to be. My role provides me with the opportunity to work with schools across the trust to ensure we are celebrating and embracing our differences, and show that we are proud of who we are as individuals. So, ultimately, it’s the idea of acceptance and celebration. Why is it so important for the trust to be concentrating on these areas? Our trust aims to grow the ‘BEST’ in everyone. Equality, diversity and inclusion plays a significant factor in this because it helps to develop our students spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. We strive to provide an education that enables our students to grasp
