To support this, we’ve created our own Black History Month activity page for colleagues and young people, featuring wordsearches, quizzes, a timeline challenge and a Kente fabric designer. These resources offer an engaging way to explore Black history and encourage conversations about culture and discrimination.

Across Esland, teams are also tailoring activities to their young people’s interests, making learning relevant, engaging and meaningful.

At Emu House, a Zimbabwean culture day brought the country's traditions to life through music, storytelling and dance. Alongside enjoying traditional dishes, the team and young person explored clothing worn for special occasions and learned about life in Zimbabwe. They also recreated a traditional celebration to welcome a new baby, gaining an insight into the customs that mark important moments in family life.

A colleague at Emu House said: “Learning about other cultures and celebrating our differences is important for education, but also for mutual respect and inclusion.”

At Heather Lodge, a Black history wordsearch has provided a starting point for deeper conversations about influential figures and the experiences of people who have faced or challenged discrimination. By discussing the people and terms featured in the activity, the team is encouraging young people to reflect on equality and consider how discrimination affects others.

At Blackberry Lodge, the focus has been on the influence of Black musicians. Colleagues and their young person have been discovering artists and exploring their contributions to music, while working together to create a menu of foods they would like to try from different cultures. This gives the young person an active role in shaping the experience around their own interests.

At Parrot Lodge, young people explored the contributions of influential Black and mixed-heritage individuals across fields including civil rights, literature, art, sport and aviation, identified African and Caribbean flags, sampled traditional Afro-Caribbean dishes such as jollof rice and Caribbean curry chicken, and completed a STEM-themed wordsearch, combining cultural discovery with fun and engaging learning.

At Swan House, children and adults organised a Culture Night for homes across their region. The evening brought everyone together to enjoy great food, music, dancing and plenty of laughter, celebrating cultural diversity, strengthening connections between homes and creating a shared sense of community.

At Esland Grantham School, students have been researching historical and present-day figures whose contributions have shaped communities locally and globally. Their findings have come together in a whole-school display, helping bring these stories to a wider audience and celebrate achievements that deserve recognition.

The school also marked Wear Red Day in support of Show Racism the Red Card, giving students and staff an opportunity to stand against racism and discuss the importance of challenging stereotypes.

Through these activities, young people are exploring different perspectives, discovering new interests and developing a greater understanding of the experiences of others.

At Esland, we recognise the importance of helping young people understand the world around them. By celebrating Black history and creating opportunities to discuss equality and diversity, we aim to encourage respect, challenge prejudice and keep these important conversations going throughout the year.