At Woodchurch CE Primary School, we are fully committed to meeting our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. We believe that every member of our school community has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and we are dedicated to eliminating discrimination, fostering good relationships, and advancing equality of opportunity for all.

Our General Duties Under the Equality Act 2010

We are committed to:

• Eliminating discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other prohibited conduct

• Advancing equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

• Fostering good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

Protected Characteristics

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any pupil, prospective pupil, member of staff, parent, carer, or member of the wider school community because of their:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

We believe that all pupils and staff achieve more when they feel valued, included, and respected. To create this inclusive environment, we will:

• Treat all members of the school community fairly and respectfully

• Promote understanding of diversity and inclusion and the benefits they bring

• Adopt an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all and reflects a broad range of perspectives

• Encourage compassion, empathy, and open-mindedness

• Challenge bias, prejudice, and stereotypes whenever they arise

• Provide opportunities for pupils to engage with ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding, in a safe and respectful environment

Dealing with Prejudice and Celebrating Diversity

We do not tolerate any form of prejudice-related incident. When such incidents occur, they are taken seriously and dealt with promptly and fairly.

Through our curriculum and school culture, we teach children to:

• Understand and respect others

• Celebrate diversity

• Recognise what constitutes discriminatory behaviour

• Value their own and others’ identities

• Strive to reach their full potential

We also provide opportunities to celebrate diversity throughout the year, including:

• Activities for key diversity awareness days

• Guest speakers and workshops

• Curriculum enrichment activities linked to equality and inclusion

Equality in the Workplace

We are committed to equality of opportunity and dignity in the workplace. This means that:

• All staff are treated fairly in relation to recruitment, training, development, and promotion

• No redundancy or disciplinary procedure will ever result from prejudice

• All staff are expected to actively promote diversity and equality, lead by example, and engage with training where needed

Equality Objectives

In line with the Equality Act 2010, schools must publish measurable equality objectives at least once every four years. Our current objectives are to:

1. Promote equality of opportunity by narrowing gaps in attainment and progress for pupils with protected characteristics and/or disadvantaged backgrounds.

2. Foster good relations by celebrating diversity across the curriculum, assemblies, and whole-school events, ensuring pupils learn about and value different cultures, faiths, and lifestyles.

3. Ensure accessibility by reviewing our policies, environment, and curriculum to remove barriers for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

4. Eliminate discrimination by recording, monitoring and addressing any incidents of prejudice-based bullying or behaviour.

Progress against these objectives is reviewed annually and reported to governors.

Monitoring and Review

This statement and our objectives are reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant and effective.