Equality Information Statement

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 the school community because of their:

• Sex
• Age

• Race or ethnicity
• 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 the school. This environment will be achieved by:

• 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 the school and how this aligns with the school’s values.
• Adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all.
• We actively promote equality and diversity though the curriculum and by creating an environment which champions respect for all.
• Being respectful.
• Always treating all members of the school community fairly.
• Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness.
• The school’s Behaviour Management Policy takes full account of the duties under the Equality Act. We make reasonable, appropriate and flexible adjustment for students with a disability. We closely monitor data on exclusions and absence for evidence of over-representation of different groups and take action promptly to address concerns.
• We ensure that our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent, and we do not discriminate against students by treating them less favourably on the grounds of their sex, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity.
• We take account of equality issues in relation to admissions and exclusions; the way we provide education for our students and the way we provide access for students to facilities and services.
• We are aware of the Reasonable Adjustment duty for disabled pupils / students – designed to enhance access and participation to the level of non-disabled students and stop disabled children being placed at a disadvantage compared to their non-disabled peers.
• 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 take seriously the need to consider the equality implications when we develop, adapt and review any policy or procedure and whenever we make significant decisions about the day-to-day life of the school.
• The school challenges all forms of prejudice and prejudice-based bullying, which stand in the way of fulfilling our commitment to inclusion and equality. We treat all bullying incidents equally seriously.

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.

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 is devoted to ensuring 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.
• Aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour.

The school’s employees will not:

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

The school’s employees will:

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

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

• Planning activities for key diversity awareness days.
• Inviting guest speakers to talk to pupils about diversity.
• Incorporating lessons about diversity into the 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 or ethnicity.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.

Equality of opportunity and non-discrimination extends to the treatment of all members of the 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.

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