Equality

Our Equality Objectives

At Parkend Primary School, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion for all members of our school community.

Our equality objectives are:

To promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through all appropriate curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, with particular reference to equality, diversity and inclusion.
To increase understanding of equality, diversity and respect through age-appropriate teaching across the curriculum.
To promote high aspirations for all pupils and avoid assumptions or labels that may limit achievement and potential.
To reduce attainment gaps and ensure all pupils make the best possible progress from their individual starting points.
To eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and prejudice relating to the protected characteristics identified within the Equality Act 2010.
To promote understanding, respect and positive attitudes towards people with disabilities and those from different backgrounds and experiences.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The Equality Act 2010 requires schools to have due regard to the need to:

Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010.
Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. [gov.uk]

Specific Duties Under the Public Sector Equality Duty

We are required:

To publish information demonstrating our compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.
To prepare and publish specific and measurable equality objectives which support the three aims of the duty.
To review and update our equality information and objectives in line with statutory requirements. [gov.uk]

This Equality Scheme sets out the actions the Governing Body will take to promote equality, remove barriers to participation and improve outcomes for all members of the school community.

Definition of 'Due Regard' and How We Comply with the Equality Duty

In carrying out our responsibilities, we will:

Consider the impact of our decisions on all members of our school community before decisions are made.
Base decisions on relevant evidence and, where appropriate, consultation with pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.
Keep equality considerations under regular review as part of our ongoing work.
Maintain appropriate records to demonstrate that equality considerations have been taken into account.

Equality Statement

At Parkend Primary School, we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and members of the wider school community.

We will not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, age, marriage or civil partnership, or socio-economic background.

We aim to develop a culture of inclusion, respect and aspiration in which everyone feels valued, supported and able to participate fully in school life.

We actively challenge discrimination, bullying, prejudice and stereotyping and seek to create an environment where diversity is respected, celebrated and recognised as a strength.

At Parkend Primary School, we believe that every individual should be treated with dignity and respect and that diversity enriches our school community.

Equality in Teaching and Learning

We provide all pupils with the opportunity to succeed and achieve their full potential by:

Ensuring equality of access to learning and preparing pupils for life in a diverse society.
Using resources and materials that positively reflect diversity and avoid stereotypes.
Promoting attitudes and values that challenge discriminatory behaviour and prejudice.
Providing opportunities for pupils to value their own identity and appreciate the diversity of others.
Working in partnership with parents and carers to support pupils' education and wellbeing.
Using inclusive teaching approaches that meet the needs of all learners and promote high expectations for every pupil.

Equality in Admissions and Exclusions

Our admissions arrangements are fair, transparent and in accordance with statutory requirements.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, or socio-economic background.

Any decisions relating to exclusions are made fairly, consistently and in accordance with current legislation and statutory guidance.

Equal Opportunities for Staff

We are committed to equality of opportunity in employment.

All appointments, promotions and professional development opportunities are based on merit, skills, qualifications and experience and are conducted in accordance with equality legislation.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and seek to maintain a workforce that reflects the values of inclusion, fairness and respect.

We are committed to creating a working environment in which all staff are treated with dignity and respect and are able to fulfil their potential.