At St Mary's C of E Primary School and Nursery we promote the idea that 'all are different and all are welcome'.
No Outsiders is an educational programme and a series of books aimed at promoting understanding of diversity and inclusion in schools. The program, developed by Andrew Moffat, a primary school teacher in the UK, is designed to help all our pupils to understand and embrace differences, foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
The "No Outsiders" programme was created to support the teaching of the Equality Act 2010 in UK schools, which outlines the legal protections against discrimination. It aims to prepare children for life in a diverse society by promoting values such as tolerance, respect, and acceptance of others.
Key Themes:
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Diversity: The programme highlights the importance of recognising and appreciating differences in others, whether these differences relate to ethnicity, religion, gender identity, or family structure.
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Inclusion: "No Outsiders" encourages children to see themselves as part of a community where everyone is valued and included. It promotes the idea that there should be no "outsiders" in the classroom or society.
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Respect: A core message of the programme is that everyone deserves respect, regardless of their background or identity. The materials help children understand the importance of treating others kindly and fairly.
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Challenging Stereotypes: The programme actively works to dismantle stereotypes and challenge prejudice. It teaches children to question and reject discriminatory attitudes and behaviors.
The "No Outsiders" books are carefully chosen picture books that address themes of diversity and inclusion in an age-appropriate way.
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Examples of Books: Titles like "Mommy, Mama, and Me" (Lesbian families), "The Great Big Book of Families" (Various family structures), and "Red: A Crayon's Story" (Gender identity) are used to help children understand and accept different perspectives.
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Examples of Classroom Activities: These activities include discussions, role-play, and creative projects that help children explore the themes in the books and apply them to their own lives.
In today's diverse world, it's crucial for children to grow up understanding and accepting differences. The "No Outsiders" programme helps create a supportive environment where all children feel valued. It equips pupils with the social skills needed to navigate a multicultural society and promotes a positive, inclusive school culture.
Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing the values taught in the "No Outsiders" programme. Engaging with your child about what they learn in school, reading the books together, and discussing the themes can help solidify their understanding and acceptance of diversity.
"No Outsiders" is a valuable programme that helps children develop empathy, understanding, and respect for others. By promoting these values early on, we can help build a more inclusive and harmonious society for future generations.