In order to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), schools must publish their equality objectives statement – a declaration of aims that ensures equality for all members of the school’s community.
Burrington Church of England VC Primary School Equality Objectives Statement
Opening statement
We welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. The school’s general duties, with regards to equality are:
- Eliminating discrimination
- Fostering good relationships
- Advancing equality of opportunity
- Consulting and involving those affected by inequality within our school and local community
We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any pupil, prospective pupil, or other member of the school community because of their:
- Sex
- Age
- Race
- Disability
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy or maternity
- Marriage and civil partnership
We aim to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity, and eradicating prejudicial incidents for pupils and staff. Our school is committed to not only eliminating discrimination, but also increasing understanding and appreciation for diversity.
Aims to eradicate discrimination
We believe that a greater level of success from pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals. Creating a prejudice-free environment where individuals feel confident and at ease is a commitment of the school. This environment will be achieved by:
- Being respectful
- Always treating all members of the school community fairly
- Developing an understanding of diversity and the benefits it has
- Adopting an inclusive attitude
- Adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all
- Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness
We are committed to having a balanced and fair curriculum. We believe that our pupils should be exposed to ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding, to help ensure that pupils learn to become more accepting and inclusive of others. Challenging and controversial concepts will be delivered in a way that prevents discrimination and promotes inclusive attitudes. We will also respect the right of parents to withdraw their children from certain classes which pose conflicts to their own beliefs.
Dealing with prejudice
We do not tolerate any form of prejudice-related incident. Whether direct or indirect, we treat discrimination against all members of our school with the utmost severity. When an incident is reported, through our thorough reporting procedure, our school is devoted to ensuring appropriate action is taken and a resolution is put into place which is both fair and firm.
Our pupils are taught to be:
- Understanding of others
- Celebratory of cultural diversity
- Eager to reach their full potential
- Inclusive
- Aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour
The school’s employees will not:
- Discriminate against any member of the school community
- Treat other members of the school community unfairly
The school’s employee’s will:
- Promote diversity and equality
- Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude
- Lead by example
Equality and dignity in the workplace
We do not discriminate against staff with regards to their:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marital or civil partner status
- Pregnancy or maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
What does our school do to eliminate discrimination?
We have set a clear vision and values. Prejudice is not tolerated and will always be challenged. We are continuously working to promote an accepting and respectful environment for our school community. We expect all our staff, volunteers and pupils to act in a non-discriminating manner and be mindful to avoid actions that could be deemed as discriminatory to the public and our wider community.
We have up-to-date and ratified policies which set out a clear message that discrimination is not tolerated: staff code of conduct, behaviour, anti-bullying, safeguarding and child protection.
We understand that it is unlawful to fail to make reasonable adjustments to overcome barriers to using services caused by disability.
The governing body and school leaders involved in recruitment will avoid unlawful discrimination in all aspects of employment including recruitment, promotion, opportunities for training, pay and benefits, discipline and selection for redundancy.
Through a structured PSHE curriculum offer, collective worship, assemblies, workshops and visits, equalities will be discussed with and taught to the children, exemplifying the school values and British Values in which we believe.
Equality of opportunity and non-discrimination extends to the treatment of all members of our school community.
