Equality objectives
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). For schools, this means that it is unlawful to discriminate against students or treat them less favourably because of their gender; race; disability; religion or belief; gender reassignment; sexual orientation; pregnancy or maternity.
The Equality Act says that schools and other public bodies must:
- Encourage good relations and ensure everyone has equality of opportunity.
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
- Help make sure everyone has an equal chance to make the most of their lives and talents.
More information can be found here on the Equalities Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
In line with our duties under the Equality Act, we assess our existing practices in relation to equality and consider objectives to help us improve further.
Equality Objectives 2023/24
| ELIMINATE UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND VICTIMISATION | |||
| Objective | Action | Anticipated Impact | Date |
| Reduce sexist, racist, homophobic and transphobic language with an increase in the number of students acting as upstanders |
Rise project with particular focus on boys’ attitudes
Students surveys to track experiences |
Reduction in cases of students using derogatory language.
Student voice and student surveys show a decrease in the number of students experiencing derogatory language.
Student voice and student surveys show an increase in the number of students who believe that all derogatory language will be challenged and sanctioned. |
From September 2023 |
| FOSTER GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE A SHARED CHARACTERISTIC AND THOSE WHO DO NOT | |||
| Objective | Action | Anticipated Impact | Date |
| Further develop the Shared Reading Programme in tutor time, making sure that the texts chosen include diverse representation and consider the world from new points of view. | Review texts chosen for the Shared Reading Programme and further increase the texts used over the year. | Students are exposed to a range of characters and stories that promote diversity and different cultures. | From September 2023 |
|
Mark and celebrate a range of events in school. For example:
Week
Women’s Day |
Establish a clear calendar of events that mark and celebrate a range of cultural and significant events. This will include assemblies, tutor time, Rise sessions and celebrations in the Library |
Students further develop their understanding of different celebrations / events / festivals.
Students from different protected groups feel valued and seen. |
From September 2023 |
| ADVANCE EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY BETWEEN PEOPLE WHO SHARE A PROTECTED CHARACTERISTIC AND THOSE WHO DO NOT | |||
| Objective | Action | Anticipated Impact | Date |
| Closing the academic and attendance gaps for SEND, Pupil Premium, Looked After Children and other vulnerable groups |
Wide range of strategies – see Development Plan and Pupil Premium Strategy
Data analysis and interventions |
Improved outcomes and attendance | From September 2023 |