Be an Ally, Not a Bystander: Teaching Allyship Lessons in Primary Schools

What is an Ally? What is Allyship? Why should we teach it in primary schools?

Allyship is many things. Allyship is friendship, empathy, community, action, positivity, inclusion, anti-racism, aspiration and more. Allyship is learning about diversity and difference and making a conscious choice to support those who are marginalised. This learning has always mattered in primary schools.

In this book, educator Frances Akinde outlines what allyship is and why it matters more than ever in primary schools today. Through practical guidance and support, Frances empowers teachers to take positive action right now. Her practical support includes lesson ideas, learning activities and key resources.

Through allyship. children can learn to be agents of positivity in their schools and communities. This book supports teachers to bring this learning to the classroom.

Frances Akinde is a former headteacher. In the last 20 years, Frances has worked in a variety of roles across primary, secondary, special/Alternative Provision and local authorities. Frances co-launched BAMEed SEND hub as part of the BAMEed Network, a diverse network for Educators which aims to ensure diversity and address racial inequities in education. Frances is an ‘anti-racist schools’ award coach for Leeds Beckett University.