Celebrating Inclusion Across the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group hosted its annual Festival of Inclusion at Castleford College, bringing staff from across the Group together to celebrate diversity, promote equality and explore inclusive practices that can be implemented.

The event was opened by Lisa Macdonald, Group Executive Director for Curriculum and Quality Standards at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, and Natalie O’Donnell, Deputy Head of Inclusive Learning at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. The day then proceeded with a range of insightful talks, positive discussions, and meaningful reflection.

This year’s theme was belonging, which encouraged staff to reflect on the vital role they play in creating welcoming and inclusive spaces. Guest speakers Rach McCafferty, Hannah Wilson and Rachel Hill covered a range of important topics, including allyship, building cultures of belonging and disability awareness. Each talk opened discussions that challenged colleagues to think about how they can champion inclusion within their own teams.

The afternoon shone a spotlight on the work of Alternative Curriculum, King’s Trust, FLEX, GET SET and Project SEARCH and the positive impact that these programmes have on learners. Staff were pleased to welcome back King’s Trust alumni, Skye, to share her own journey. 

King's Trust alumni, Skye, with her tutor, Owen. 

Skye explained how the 12-week programme has changed her life by equipping her with employability skills, highlighting the lasting difference that the right support and opportunities can bring to learners. For many staff, seeing Skye’s growth was an important reminder of the difference they make every day, once again reinforcing the importance of creating supportive environments.

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