Diversity and Inclusion at Explore Learning

We believe that:

Everyone should have their individual talents celebrated and recognised.
Every child we teach should have the same opportunity to achieve their full academic potential in life.
Every individual we employ should be valued, celebrated for their difference and able to work in an environment where they can thrive.

Catriona Scott - People Director

We really nurture and celebrate all of our people. Many individuals in the organisation have had long, successful careers at Explore Learning. Our employees’ talents are continually honed and challenged to support their growth in the same way that we develop the children who come to us.

The opening screen of Explore Learning's smart learning tool where a child can select from a number of subjects.

Individualised learning

At Explore Learning, we are passionate about providing an inclusive learning environment for all.

We work hard to create a safe space where uniqueness is encouraged and protected. Our educational philosophy supports this ethos. We recognise that each child has an amazing mind with unique needs. We are proud to have a curriculum that allows children to follow a tailored pathway through their learning. They receive targeted, personalised support from tutors. In addition to working towards individual, fearless learning goals.

Improving Diversity and Inclusion at Explore

We are proud of the environment we have created at Explore whilst recognising that this is a continual journey. We know that more can be done to celebrate diverse cultures, people and experiences.

These are the steps we are taking:

An Explore Learning Tutor high fiving with a child in a centre

Our curriculum

As an education company we have a responsibility to ensure our resources and teaching practises are diverse and inclusive, and we are fully committed to making this a reality.

We continually review and develop our content to reflect a wider range of lived experiences e.g. cultures, religions, disabilities, family circumstances etc.
We are developing built-in learning tools to aid accessibility e.g. coloured overlays, font size, screen masks.
We are introducing a wider range of characters to choose as a Fearless Friend/Supporter.

Our people

In 2020 we formed a Diversity and Inclusion group consisting of members of staff at every level of the business. In 2022 we enhanced this with a number of Employee Networks . These networks are a place for Explore employees to discuss their views, experiences, share ideas and initiatives and make social connections at work. Insights from each group will be used to help shape Explore’s future and improve Diversity and Inclusion at all levels. We have rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to support staff and students with non-visible disabilities. The discreet indicator lets those around know that the wearer may need additional time, patience and understanding. Our goal is to:

Create a sense of community in the workplace
Have safe and supportive spaces for discussion
Help solve business issues
Raise awareness of employee needs
Shape the future of Explore through listening to as many employee voices as possible

An Explore Learning tutor leading a class with children in foreground putting their hands up.

In 2021, 56% of our tutor and manager hires were from ethnically diverse backgrounds

This is an increase of 9% from 2020, when it was 47% of all new hires. We are really proud to have tutors and role models that reflect our diverse membership. We know that this percentage is not mirrored at every level of the business and are committed to improve this.

Centre Director, Sean, with an Explore Learning member at a computer, both are wearing a sunflower lanyard, which is a symbol for people to showcase that they have a hidden disability.

Our environment

We recognise that small changes can make big differences to how a child feels. These are some steps we are taking in our centres to achieve this:

Removing gender references from our student’s workbook drawers
Renaming Parent Meetings to Progress Meetings to reflect households with guardians or carers
Encouraging staff to promote the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for people with hidden disabilities, meaning people can feel safe and welcomed as soon as they come into one of our centres
Training our staff to recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to support people with non-visible disabilities, so that Sunflower wearers feel safe and welcomed as soon as they come into one of our centres.