3 Guidance on social cohesion for schools Promote inclusivity in education: • Ensure schools have a curriculum that reflects Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse society and history. • Implement anti-bullying programmes3 and policies that protect students and staff. • Use diverse learning resources and ensure they are safe and appropriate with no unintended consequences. Support workplace inclusion: • Develop diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace, including hiring practices that reflect all people of Aotearoa New Zealand. • Provide training to staff to address unconscious biases and foster an inclusive work environment. Facilitate cultural exchange: • Encourage public events that highlight diverse cultures, arts and traditions. • Support local community initiatives that promote cultural understanding and appreciation. Foster civic engagement: • Encourage active participation by staff and students in local communities and democratic processes. • Promote volunteering and community service as a means of building social connections. Ensure accessible communication: • Ensure school information and services are available in multiple languages and accessible formats as required. • Promote the use of clear and respectful communication between management, staff, students and whānau, even when having difficult conversations. Encourage interfaith dialogue: • Foster dialogue and understanding among children and staff of different religions and faiths.4 • Promote religious freedom and tolerance. Strengthen social support: • Promote mental health and well-being services.5 • Create avenues for staff and students to access support in times of need. Resolve issues peacefully: • Create a culture for staff and students where individuals feel safe. Encourage people to report any racism, discrimination, or harassment they see or experience, or any other instances where they feel unsafe.6 • Provide a safe space for students to share their, or their family or community’s, experiences. Avoid minimising or comparing them to one other. • Offer a range of options to resolve complaints or issues, seek to discuss differences in a way that does no further harm.7 Options include mediation and facilitated conversations. Ensure these are accessible, culturally appropriate and traumainformed and suit the people involved. 3 More information at: Bullying Free NZ https://bullyingfree.nz/ 4 More information at: Religious Diversity Centre Aotearoa New Zealand https://rdc.org.nz/ 5 More information at: KidsHealth NZ – Helplines & Mental Health Support Services https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/helplines-mentalhealth-support-services 6 More information at: Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission – Complaints https://tikatangata.org.nz/resources-and-support/ make-a-complaint 7 More information at: Positive Behaviour For Learning (PB4L) Restorative Practice https://pb4l.tki.org.nz/PB4L-Restorative-Practice