When a school welcomes a young person through its doors, creating a true sense of belonging means meeting them exactly where they are.

In this episode of The Kitchen Table, we are joined by Bennie Kara - educator, author, speaker, curriculum specialist, and former deputy headteacher. Bennie began her career in the inaugural Teach First cohort in 2003 and has taught across London and the Midlands. She co-founded Diverse Educators, is the founder of Adhara Education, and is the author of A Little Guide for Teachers: Diversity in Schools.

Together we explore the deep connections between language, belonging, and inclusion, and how schools can move beyond tokenism to weave true diversity into the fabric of their culture.

What You’ll Discover

- Beyond Simple Representation: Why a diverse curriculum is not just about ticking boxes, but about allowing students to see outside of themselves and recognising the full humanity of others.

- A Curriculum of Hope: How to balance challenging historical truths with narratives of joy, agency, and ordinariness so that all students see their heritage valued.

- The Power of Language: Why getting a student’s name right is a fundamental act of respect, and how leaders can create safe spaces where staff can make mistakes, learn, and grow together.

Bennie’s powerful reminder is that belonging is the exact opposite of simply “fitting in.” By moving away from a compliance mindset and committing to long-term cultural change, schools can become places where every child is truly known, valued, and celebrated for who they are.

Connect with Phil Banks

thebelongingcollective.blog.

Connect with Mohamed Abdallah

Substack.

Connect with Danielle Lewis-Egonu

Substack.

The Kitchen Table are grateful to our sponsors Magma Maths, Zen Educate, St Christophers Trust, Cygnus Ambition Foundation, The Reach Foundation and it is produced by Urban Podcasts.