Equality information and objectives
Rationale
A new Equality Act came into force on 1 October 2010. The Act requires schools to demonstrate that they are taking action on equality in policymaking, the delivery of services and public sector employment.
The Act establishes the following nine protected characteristics:
- Age (The protected characteristic applies to schools as employers, but not with regard to the treatment of pupils and prospective pupils)
- Disability
- Gender reassignement
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion and belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
From our school’s perspective, the Act covers all aspects of school life which are to do with how we treat our pupils and prospective pupils, and their parent and carers; how we treat our employees; and how we treat members of the local community. Our school has a general duty and certain specific duties.
General Duty
Since 6th April 2011 Bussage C of E Primary School has been bound by a clause in the Equality Act 2010 which is known as the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). It has three components which we must have ‘due regard’ to the need to:
a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Act
b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it
c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.
Specific Duties
In order to fulfil the three aims of the general duty, we have two sets of specific duties:
1. To publish information which demonstrates their compliance with the duty to have due regard for the three aims of the general duty
2. To prepare and publish specific and measurable objectives which they will pursue over the coming years to achieve the three aims
At Bussage C of E Primary School, we are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers receiving services from the school, irrespective of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, faith or religion or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and able to participate fully in school life.
The achievement of pupils will be monitored by race, gender and disability and we will use this data to support pupils, raise standards and ensure inclusive teaching. We will tackle discrimination by the positive promotion of equality, challenging bullying and stereotypes and creating an environment which champions respect for all. At Bussage C of E Primary School, we believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit here.
Further detail is provided in our Equality Policy