Equality Information and Objectives Statement

*Information updated annually

We welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. The school’s general duties with regard to equality are:

• Eliminating discrimination.
• Fostering good relationships.
• Advancing equality of opportunity.

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any staff member, pupil, prospective pupil, or other member of our school family because of their:

• Sex
• Age

• Race
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Marriage and civil partnership

We aim to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity, and eradicating prejudicial incidents for pupils and staff. Our school is committed to not only eliminating discrimination, but also increasing understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Aims to eradicate discrimination

We believe that a greater level of success from pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals. Creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel confident and at ease is a commitment of our school. This environment will be achieved by:

• Being respectful.
• Always treating all members of our school community fairly.
• Developing an understanding of diversity and inclusion and the benefits it can have.
• Adopting an inclusive attitude and ensuring that the whole school community understands what inclusive behaviour looks like in our school and how this aligns with our core Christian Values
• Adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all.
• Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness.
• Challenging bias and calling it out in order to move the conversation forward.

We are committed to having a balanced, diverse and fair curriculum. We believe that our pupils should be exposed to ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding, to help ensure that pupils learn to become more accepting and inclusive of others. Challenging and controversial concepts will be delivered in a way that prevents discrimination and promotes inclusive attitudes. We use the Jigsaw PSHE programme to support this.

Dealing with prejudice and celebrating diversity

We do not tolerate any form of prejudice-related incident. Whether direct or indirect, we treat discrimination against all members of our school with the utmost severity. When an incident is reported, our school ensures that appropriate action is taken and a resolution is put into place which is both fair and firm.

Our pupils are taught to be:

• Understanding of others.
• Celebratory of diversity.
• Eager to reach their full potential.
• Inclusive, in line with our values
• Aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour.

Our school’s employees will not:

• Discriminate against any member of our school community
• Treat other members of the school community unfairly.

Our school’s employees will:

• Promote diversity and equality.
• Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude.
• Lead by example.
• Undertake training if they need to improve their knowledge in a particular area.

Throughout the year, our school provides a variety of opportunities to celebrate diversity, including:

• Planning activities for awareness days.
• Inviting guest speakers to talk to pupils about diversity.
• Collective Worship
• Incorporating lessons about diversity into the curriculum, for example, through our PSHE curriculum. 

Equality and dignity in the workplace

We do not discriminate against staff with regard to their:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marital or civil partner status
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Equality of opportunity and non-discrimination extends to the treatment of all members of our school community. All staff members are obliged to act in accordance will the school’s various policies relating to equality.

We will guarantee that no redundancy is the result of direct or indirect prejudice. All disciplinary procedures are non-prejudicial, whether they result in warnings, dismissal, or any other disciplinary action.

Diversity and representation

The aim of our school is to provide a safe and inclusive environment where work is enjoyable, and every voice is equal and heard.

Inclusion

We aim to achieve an inclusive school community by:

• learning together;
• Understanding our context;
• adapting systems and structures to meet the needs of children and staff whatever their personal circumstances;
• enabling children and staff to participate in the life and work of our school to the best of their abilities, whatever their needs;
• recognising and valuing the diversity of cultures, languages, religions, opinions and beliefs both in our local community and wider society as a rich resource to support everyone's learning;
• fostering and sustaining relationships between our school and the local and wider community;
• setting high expectations for all members of our school family.

Prejudice is not tolerated and we are continuously working towards a more accepting and respectful environment for our school community.