Our approach to equality: 

We are inclusive; we focus on the well-being and progress of every child and we are committed to ensuring all members of our community are of equal worth.

The Public Sector Equality Duty or “general duty”

This requires all public organisations, including schools to

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• Advance equality of opportunity between different groups
• Foster good relations between different groups

We expect all members of the school community and visitors to support our commitment to promoting equalities and meeting the requirements of the Equality Act. We will provide training, guidance and information to enable them to do this.

What  are we doing to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation?

• We take account of equality issues in relation to admissions and suspensions; the way we provide education for our pupils and the way we provide access for pupils to facilities and services.
• The Headteacher ensures that all appointment panels give due regard to this policy so that no one is discriminated against when it comes to employment, promotion or training opportunities.
• We actively promote equality and diversity though the curriculum and by creating an environment which champions respect for all.
• Our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent, and we do not discriminate against pupils by treating them less favourably on the grounds of their sex, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity
• We challenge all forms of prejudice and prejudice based bullying.

What are we doing to advance equality of opportunity between different groups?

• We know the needs of our school population very well and collect and analyse data in order to inform our planning and identify targets to achieve improvements. We take action to close any gaps, for example, for those making slow progress in acquiring age-appropriate literacy and number skills. We also ensure children from all groups are challenged to reach higher levels.
• We have procedures, working in partnership with parents and carers, to identify children who have a disability through our pupil admissions meetings and home visits.
• We also collect, analyse and use data in relation to attendance and suspensions of different groups.
• We use a range of teaching strategies that ensures we meet the needs of all pupils.
• We are alert and proactive about the potentially damaging impact of negative language in matters such as race, gender, disability and sexuality.
• We ensure equality of access for all pupils to a broad and balanced curriculum, removing barriers to participation where necessary.
• We have an an Accessibility Plan (see policies)

What are we doing to foster good relations?

• We prepare our pupils for life in a diverse society and ensure that there are activities across the curriculum that promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils.
• We teach about difference and diversity and the impact of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination through PSHE and citizenship and across the curriculum.
• We use materials and resources that reflect the diversity of the school, population and local community in terms of race, gender, sexual identity and disability, avoiding stereotyping. We include the contribution of different cultures to world history and that promote positive images of people.
• We promote a whole school ethos and values that challenge prejudice based discriminatory language, attitudes and behaviour.
• We provide opportunities for pupils to appreciate their own culture and celebrate the diversity of other cultures.
• We provide opportunities for pupils to listen to a range of opinions and empathise with different experiences.
• We promote positive messages about equality and diversity through displays, assemblies, visitors, whole school events e.g. Black History Month, International afternoon, Spanish Day

Please refer to the equalities policy for full details of our approach to promoting equality.

Our Equalities objectives are evaluated yearly by the SLT and Governing Body.