November 11th 2024Diversity, equity and inclusion
Astra is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our teacher training. We promote a diverse and inclusive workforce. We aim to create a safe space for all trainee teachers and strive to educate ourselves to improve awareness of the nine protected characteristics as laid out in the Equalities Act (2010).
Astra Equal Opportunities & Equity Statement
- Since 2020 Astra has been working with Now Teach to encourage career changers to train as teachers
- In 2020, we introduced our part-time teacher training course, which makes training to teach more accessible, For our 2023 cohort onwards, we've introduced more flexible approaches to part time training to enable part time trainees to 'concertina' training and complete this at different paces.
- In 2021, central staff completed training in inclusive recruitment
- In 2022, central staff took part in a three-part course in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) - a Masterclass run by Diverse Educators
- Every year, our trainee teachers receive training session on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the classroom and we share details of how trainees might access support. Consideration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, along with tackling education disadvantage are integrated into all of our courses.
- We have welcomed an increasingly diverse range of trainees on to the course
- We have audited our recruitment processes to ensure that these are fair and equitable, with further adjustments coming on stream in the 2024/2025 cycle.
- At the heart of the Astra Star Curriculum is a commitment to Inclusive Professionalism which seeks equitable outcomes for all, tackling disadvantage and helping trainees to understand the challenges of working in an area such as Buckinghamshire. This includes understanding local issues around educational disadvantage.
We encourage applications from under-represented groups and will make all reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to address the barriers faced. If you would like to discuss your requirements with a member of staff, please get in touch with our friendly team on hello@astra-alliance.com or 01494 787573.
The Diverse Educators' website has a directory here with further resources and sources of support. You can also download some of their resources below.
Download Diverse Educators Reading List
Download Diverse Educators Acronyms Glossary
