The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Olivia Dickinson

Olivia Dickinson has 20 years’ experience in children’s media, across Amazon, the BBC, Nickelodeon and Sky Kids.

She has extensive expertise in how to challenge inequalities in childhood and education, including as a key member of the Let Toys Be Toys campaign and for the educational charity Lifting Limits.

Olivia provides training for school staff and trainee teachers on how to challenge gender sterotypes, as well as consulting for children's TV and digital companies on how to ensure programmes and content are inclusive.

She is a member of the executive group responsible for diversity and inclusion at The Children’s Media Foundation, was deputy chair for the DfE advisory panel on apps for home learning in 2019 and she has an MA in early childhood studies.
 

Latest blog posts

Olivia Dickinson

Why are pupils protesting about school uniforms?

How do you feel about pupil protests? Olivia Dickinson discusses both pupil and staff views on uniform policies and the consequences of these protests. Protests about school uniforms have happened periodically over the years, including the girls at Wirral Grammar School starting a nationwide...
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Olivia Dickinson

What to consider when writing a school uniform policy

Cost, pupil voice and branded items: what should be included in a policy on school uniform? Olivia Dickinson discusses. School uniform is often in the news, whether it’s about how the cost is prohibitive for many families , that girls are petitioning to wear trousers , that boys have worn skirts to...
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Olivia Dickinson

Like a girl: Gender stereotypes in education

What is the impact of gender stereotypes on the behaviours and beliefs of pupils and staff? Olivia Dickinson investigates. In your school or early years setting, what do you see that suggests how pupils and staff devalue things that are coded feminine? It is often deemed desirable for girls to like...
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Olivia Dickinson

What is innocent socialisation and how can I challenge it?

Gender stereotyping starts from birth. Olivia Dickinson explains the effects of innocent socialisation and how to challenge assumptions in early years settings. When you welcome a child to your early years setting, whether it be a preschool, nursery or Reception class, how much do you think about...
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