Equality Statement
At Newton Poppleford Primary School we place a strong emphasis on belonging and acceptance. As part of this guiding ethos we are committed to the development of well-rounded and empathetic modern citizens. We apply this to developing our community on a local, national and global level and strive for all stakeholders to view themselves in this light. Our school aims to work and learn together together and with others to improve children’s educational and well-being outcomes. We see opportunities and not barriers.
The Equality Act 2010 was introduced to ensure protection from discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of specific characteristics (referred to as protected characteristics). This means that we cannot discriminate against pupils or treat them less favourably because of their sex (gender), race, disability, religion or belief, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or pregnancy or maternity.
The Act introduced requires all schools to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty to:
Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited under the act
Foster good relations between people who share protected characteristics and those who do not.
We are also obliged under the act to:
-Publish information to show compliance with the Equality Duty
-Publish Equality Objectives at least every 4 years which are specific and measurable
Equality objectives
Our Equality objectives are designed and enacted to allow us to achieve these aforementioned duties These Equality Objectives should be read in conjunction with our Accessibility Policy and the Equality and Diversity Policy.
Objective 1
Ensure we raise awareness and understanding of equality and diversity through training (for staff, governors) and in this way reduce or remove any inequalities particularly relating to protected characteristics.
Objective 2 To thread cultural knowledge, development and understanding throughout the curriculum and ensure co-curricular experiences and opportunities are rich and diverse.
Objective 3 To eradicate prejudice, particularly hate speech, and increase the understanding and practice of equality through culture, ethos, teaching and pupil groups.
Objective 4 To narrow the gap in progress between specific groups of students and pupils considering how well the school ensures equality of opportunities for all pupils - particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
We recognise that these duties reflect international human rights standards as expressed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and the Human Rights Act 1998.
The Equality Policy of Newton Poppleford Primary School replaces separate policies the school has on race, disability and gender to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations.
It reflects the legal duties set out in the Equality Act 2010 and guidance set out by the government in December 2011 and March 2012. Part One sets out the school’s aims to promote equality of opportunity and comply with the Act; Part Two sets out the legal duties which are referred to in Part One.
