Inclusion & Equality
We aim to create a happy, safe and secure environment, where members of our school community are healthy, enjoy learning, achieve their potential, respect and value each other and themselves.
As an educationally inclusive school, the teaching and learning, achievements, attitudes and well-being of every young person matters. We take into account children’s varied life experiences and needs, providing equal opportunities for all, whatever their age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender / gender identity or socio-economic background, to ensure that every child really does matter.
We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which success is celebrated and all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and able to participate fully in school life. We will tackle discrimination by the positive promotion of equality and the creation of an environment which champions respect for all.
We will promote inclusion and equality at our school through:
- Ensuring that pupils are called by their preferred names, which may be different from their legal names, taking into account the correct spelling, structure and pronunciation.
- Ensuring, as far as possible, that our governing board and staff reflect the full diversity of our local community.
- Providing an environment where prejudiced assumptions, attitudes and behaviours are continually challenged.
- Instilling in pupils an awareness of prejudice, giving them confidence that it can, and must, be eradicated.
- Providing a variety of educational and residential visits that expose pupils to a wide range of cultural experiences.
- Ensuring equal access to opportunities, such as extracurricular activities and the curriculum.
- Taking care in the use of language and the choice of resources, so that teaching and non-teaching staff avoid reinforcing stereotypical views of society.
- Valuing the cultural experiences and contributions of all pupils, regardless of any protected characteristic that they may have.
- Communicating our policy to parents to gain their understanding, agreement and support for its provisions.
- Discussing equality issues as an agenda item for the school council.
- Promoting equality of opportunity within the wider society.
- Ensuring admission arrangements will not unfairly disadvantage a pupil from a particular social or racial group, or with SEND.
We are aware that opportunities and outcomes for protected groups, as defined by the Equalities Act 2010, can vary substantially. We are working hard in order to reduce gaps between different groups and support all children to achieve their potential. Therefore, our objectives are:
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Equality Objective 1: To have a broad and balanced curriculum that celebrates local and cultural heritage. The curriculum also promotes enquiry, knowledge, skills and understanding so children are well equipped for the next stage of education and the world beyond – working in partnership with parents and the wider community. |
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Why? We believe that our children should have opportunity to celebrate the cultural and religious beliefs of all groups within our school and to be exposed to ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding in order to help ensure that children learn to appreciate diversity and become more accepting and inclusive of others. |
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How? Regular opportunities across the curriculum (e.g. P4C, RE, PSHE etc) will provide children with a safe forum for open discussion and reflection. Children will be encouraged to be curious about life’s ‘big questions’. A range of stimuli will bring concepts and cultural and religious themes to life. This will be strengthened through weekly assemblies and celebration activities. By studying other faiths and visiting their places of worship, children will recognise the contribution each one makes and will develop an attitude of respect and tolerance. Engagement with charitable activities related to human disasters and conflicts encourages children to foster a caring and compassionate attitude. Having extra-curricular opportunities and educational visits will ensure that children appreciate interacting with other members of the school community. The ‘50 memories to keep’ initiative will also ensure that children understand, celebrate and appreciate their local heritage. |
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Expected Outcome Children demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of diversity and are more accepting and inclusive of others. |
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Equality Objective 2: To create an inclusive environment where each child feels highly valued and unique. |
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Why? We believe that all children should be achieving their personal bests and developing their own unique talents. Children do this in a nurturing environment where they feel valued, happy and secure. |
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How? Entitlement:
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Expected Outcome: All children feel valued, confident and are accepting of themselves and others. |
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Equality Objective 3: To develop professional practice that is at least consistently good and promotes excellent progress and outcomes for ALL pupils. |
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Why? To advance equality between all pupils. |
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How? Teachers will assess all areas of the curriculum on an ongoing basis. Pupil Progress Meetings will take place half termly to explore strategies accelerating progress as well as exploring potential barriers to learning. Progress will be explored ‘in year’ as well as ‘over time’. ALL children’s learning and pastoral needs will be discussed to ensure that all children are thriving. Based on findings, teachers will then create bespoke class action plans in order to support future progress. Action plans will explore quality first teaching as well as additional learning opportunities (e.g. core interventions, lego therapy etc). Action plans will also be used to inform next steps in staff CPD. |
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Expected Outcome: Excellent progress and outcomes for ALL pupils. |