Inclusivity in Education

Having happy, engaged students who reach their potential is every headteacher’s dream. But, can students feel this way, unless staff are also happy, engaged and reaching their potential?  

Educators we’ve Supported

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A 2019 study showed

attainment gap between Black and minority ethnic students and their white contemporaries

2019 Universities UK Study

13%

This is a growing problem, and one way to solve it is to embrace inclusivity and diversity in your school. Delivering a diverse curriculum “has a positive effect on the experience and outcomes of all students”.  

Did you know?

75%

of all staff are stressed (84% of senior leaders, 72% of schoolteachers)

Teacher wellbeing Index 2022

41%

of respondents identify racism as the biggest barrier to young Black People’s educational attainment

Black British Voices Report 2023 (Voice and University of Cambridge)

95%

believe that the National Curriculum neglects Black lives and their experiences

Black British Voices Report 2023 (Voice and University of Cambridge)

<2%

believe that educational establishments take racism seriously

Black British Voices Report 2023 (Voice and University of Cambridge)

Our services for schools

Representation Matters is passionate about ensuring that underrepresented groups are seen, heard and included. We work to make sure that settings are diverse and inclusive in their practice. Making changes one classroom at a time.

  • Aisha combines her love of storytelling, her academic knowledge and her research with her deep passion and desire to tackle racial inequality. Choosing an immersive and interactive approach to speaking, Aisha will take you on a journey to challenge your own perceptions whilst understanding the importance of race and representation.

  • One hour sessions and three-hour sessions offered on your choice of topic: Race and Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, Disability, Religion and Faith, Gender. All sessions give an opportunity discussion and challenge

    Examples of sessions:

    • Responding effectively to prejudicial incidents: supporting staff to identify, acknowledge and respond to prejudicial incidents.

    • Understanding the importance of language: explore language and consider its implications in an educational context.

    • Racism, microaggressions and intersectionality: the history of racism, the development of microaggressions and how they manifest.

    Each training and workshop session will include:

    • Pre-task activities • Interactive delivery • Post-session 'Think Piece'  • Post-session consultation/feedback (written)

  • Book Talk & Signing

  • Leadership Support

  • PSHE/RSE/Citizenship Support

  • Governor Training

  • Conferences

  • Curriculum Review & Development

  • Student Assemblies & Support

  • Coaching & Mentoring

  • Student Workshops

  • Anti-Racist Policy & Strategy Development

  • Culturally Competent Surveys & Audits

Representation Matters Equity Framework

Help to identify, measure and analyse gaps and progress. While celebrating success in their journey toward true inclusion and belonging. 

Underpin a coherent EDIB strategy for the entire business ecosystem to create a more equitable education space. 

Support staff and leadership teams to address bias and prejudice and mitigate systemic inequality and discrimination. 

Stage 1: Review

Review your setting; with the help of our consultation, advice and support, surveys, focus groups and auditing, this is your time to reflect. The review can include;

  • websites

  • physical environment

  • resources

  • previous CPD/EDI objectives

  • policies and procedures

Stage 2: Discovery

Listen to the voices. This is where we take a deep dive into your setting. We consult with staff, students, parents/carers and governors. We are again utilising the information obtained during stage one. Often, we use listening circles and focus groups to facilitate discussion.

Stage 3: Action

Where the action for change occurs—typically training, workshops, coaching and consultation. The 'work' can take place with staff, both teaching and non-teaching, students, parents/carers and governors.

Stage 4: Legacy

Legacy is about the future. The seeds that we sow today will determine what we harvest tomorrow.

  • Our work with Aisha Thomas enabled children and their teachers to look at their own identity and cultural heritage; developing insight that even within our own names there are clues to our history and legacy and that of our friends and classmates. “What’s in a name”   enlightened our children and staff to learn  how we are shaped by our family and background. It was a key part of our transition journey into our new school year and we used it to welcome everybody into their new classes and learning. It was accessible to all of our children, from our new arrivals into reception right up to our Y6 cohort.

    Jon Barr, Head teacher, St Barnabas Primary School

  • This lecture was very informative and definitely brought my attention to an issue I hadn't considered as being an issue in the education sector. Following this lecture, I will try to consider that all pupils feel represented in my lessons whether it be through introducing pupils to Black and Ethnic Minority scientific discoveries or female scientists being represented. I want pupils to be able to see themselves as scientists of the future and therefore hopefully be more engaged in my lessons. The lecture also made me more aware of my own biases and how everyone should be more aware of themselves as well as other people.

    Carmen Meira-Garcia, Teaching of EPS, University of Bristol

  • I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I think the thing I liked the most, was how honest all the speakers were. It was eye opening, especially being a British African Asian I could relate to so much being said. It was all real and nothing was sugar coated which was so refreshing. I think all the speakers are fantastic and what a privilege to hear their stories and views. One thing has certainly stuck with me; "You can never be accused of making your classroom too diverse". Wow. I have already ordered lots of books to teach my little ones (I teach Reception). There are so many different people who make our world a wonderful place.

    Hayley Nicholson, Conference Producer

  • Aisha worked with our school and sixth form last year. From the first meeting and discussion, I knew immediately that Aisha and her company Representation Matters was perfect for our school's DEI journey. Her passion, knowledge and strategic approach combined with her professionalism and amazing ability to build rapport immediately shone through.

    Bex Bothwell- O'Hearn, History & Politics Teacher; Founder of Suffolk Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Network

  • I have had so many lovely comments from the attendees about how impressed they were by you and your colleagues and all the moving, thought provoking and inspiring presentations. I hope this will be included in feedback to you from the link I have shared.

    Jo Cummings, Athelstan Trust

  • I first want to say how interesting I found your presentation. You gave such a compelling argument for diversity in education and reached a wide audience across UWE staff. Many more allies are needed in HE as (un)conscious bias and discrimination runs deep here as well. From the responses I’ve no doubt you’ve given staff the confidence to challenge this as a collective.

    Justin Vafadari, Senior Lecturer in initial Teacher Education, Dept of Education & Childhood, UWE

  • Aisha delivered a fantastic session for our new lecturers at UWE exploring cultural diversity in education. The session was unanimously well received by participants. It was professional but engaging. Aisha didn’t shy away from addressing difficult issues but still maintained a supportive and safe environment which had a remarkable amount of openness and engagement from participants. A number of people contact me afterwards to thank me for arranging this session, with some imploring me to ensure Aisha is invited back to give future sessions. Aisha was also a pleasure to work with from my point of view. Extremely professional, flexible and well organised. She was keen to build a session that benefit our institution’s needs and accommodated to our preferences regarding delivery. 

    Dr Shaun Mudd, Programme Leader, UWE

Enquire about our services.

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