Inclusion and participation

The ability of communities to live together peacefully depends on their capacity to value difference and diversity. Inclusion and participation are important goals of sustainable development learning. Schools can promote community cohesion by providing an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that values everyone’s participation and contribution, and challenges prejudice and injustice in all its forms and sources, instilling pupils with a long-lasting respect for human rights, freedoms, cultures and creative expression.

Ideas for activities

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Set up a school eco committee.
  • Form a youth cabinet or school council.
  • Set up a peer mentoring scheme for pupils.
  • Involve students in designing and fundraising for new play areas or any alterations to school buildings.
  • Develop links with organisations that work for marginalised groups and invite them to hold sessions with pupils to increase awareness and understanding.
  • Introduce an awards scheme that rewards pupils for their personal achievements.

Useful links

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Support Services to Schools - provides advice and support to schools on social inclusion issues such as special educational needs, exclusion, re-integration and alternative provision of education.  

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - a charity dedicated to the personal development of young people from all backgrounds. Programmes focus on developing the whole person through social interaction and team work. Children can work towards Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.

Asdan - offers a number of awards for young people which aim to recognise and reward their achievements as they undertake ‘Personal Challenges’ in areas such as healthy living, community involvement, citizenship, personal finance and enterprise.

Richmond Youth Forum - an organisation set up for young people aged 11-19 who live, work or go to school/college in the Borough to represent the views of organisations that they are a part of. It acts as a forum to discuss important issues, holds events and has links to the UK Youth Parliament.  

Contact details

Keith Tysoe, School Standards, Richmond Council
Email:k.tysoe@richmond.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8891 7553