Equalities statement
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Altwood Church of England School values the personal qualities of all individuals and seeks actively to enhance them. It seeks to provide an environment free from prejudice and discrimination and strives to enable every member of the community to reach their maximum potential. To this end, Altwood Church of England School has a clear approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) which covers all aspects of a student’s and staff experience at the school.
Altwood Church of England School aims to meet its obligations under the public sector equality duty by having due regard for the need to:
• Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is 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 across all protected characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
In line with the Equality Act 2010 the school seeks to protect individuals from discrimination and harassment based upon ‘protected characteristics’. These are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage & civil partnerships
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Altwood Church of England School recognises and seeks to provide equality of opportunity and excellence for all in order to promote the highest possible standards. Equality of opportunity applies to all members of the school community; students, staff, governors, parents and carers and community members.
The school participates in a variety of events that promote understanding and appreciation of equality and diversity issues and promote inclusivity.
● The curriculum includes opportunities for students to understand issues relating to equality and diversity.
● Equality, diversity and inclusion are included in our PSHCE programme of study.
● EDI is considered in our CPDL programme.
● Resources are evaluated to ensure that they reflect equality and diversity appropriately.
● All students are encouraged to participate fully in school life and every effort is made to ensure positive contributions from them.
● Student achievement is analysed by race, disability and gender as well as specific groups, which inform social inclusion and, where necessary, informs action planning.
● General conduct is monitored by race, disability, gender and religion or belief with particular attention being given to prejudice-based bullying and harassment issues, with any associated incidents being recorded and reported to the appropriate people.
● We also implement personalised educational packages when appropriate
Our Equalities objectives 2023 – 2024:
Objective 1: To improve outcomes for all students, including those with protected characteristics, so that they make progress at least in line with expectations based on their prior attainment and ability
Objective 2: To ensure equality of opportunity for staff and students permeates the ethos of the school including in the curriculum, personal development, CEIAG provision and staff CPDL. Encouraging all, including those with protected characteristics, to make a positive contribution to school life by personally demonstrating the values of our school and developing their cultural capital.
Objective 3: To increase attendance and progress of SEND and Pupil Premium students so that outcomes equal those of non-SEND/PP students.
Legislation and guidance:
Equality Act 2010 guidance Which introduced the public sector equality duty and protects people from discrimination.
The Equalities Act 2010 (specific Duties) Regulations 2011 which require schools to publish information to demonstrate how they are complying with the public sector equality duty and to publish equality objectives.
Department for Education (DfE) guidance: The Equality Act and Schools