Cedar Mount shortlisted for‘Anti-racist School of the Year’

Cedar Mount Academy were thrilled to be recognised at the inaugural Future Ed Awards which are committed to celebrating the best in education for Black African and Caribbean heritage communities in the UK. Although not the eventual winner, the school were shortlisted for ‘Anti-racist School of the Year’ which is credit to all staff and students who are truly committed to ensuring a real culture of belonging for all.

For some time now, Cedar Mount has been making big changes in response to the needs and rights of students through curriculum development, staff training, student activities and student and parent voice.
At Cedar Mount, the Race, Diversity and Inclusion Board is driven by colleagues Miss Morris and Mr Wilson. The school is dedicated in its offer of a decolonised curriculum. The Board have looked at a number of areas including societal issues, uniformity within school and language barriers. This research led to a range of initiatives and work to make a positive difference including the development of staff and student working groups, work to improve representation in the curriculum following curriculum audits and policy changes.

Most notable is the partnership working at Cedar Mount and the way that new learning has positively impacted school polices. For example, Cedar Mount signed up to The Halo Code which explicitly protects students and staff who come to school with natural hair and protective hairstyles associated with their racial, ethnic and cultural identities. By adopting the Halo Code, Cedar Mount is proactively taking a stand to ensure that no member of the community faces barriers or judgment because of their Black/Afro hair.

Cedar Mount also collaborates with the community interest company ‘Kids of Colour’ to facilitate sessions which have had an overwhelming positive response. Staff undergo regular CPD dedicated to anti-racism and access various Race and Diversity courses through Bright Futures Training.

You can find out more here: https://cedarmount.bright-futures.co.uk/anti-racism