Equality

The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Everyone in Britain is protected. This is because the Equality Act protects people against discrimination because of the protected characteristics that we all have. Under the Equality Act, there are nine Protected Characteristics:

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Race
5. Religion or belief
6. Marriage or civil partnership
7. Sex
8. Sexual orientation
9. Pregnancy and maternity

Hatton Park Primary prides itself on being an inclusive school that cares for every individual child. In doing so, we promote and deliver a range of strategies to ensure that we comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty. We aim to promote children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity, and eradicating prejudicial incidents for children and staff. Our Trust 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 children 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 Trust. 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 can have.

· 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 children 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/carers 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 children 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 Trust’s employees will not:

· Discriminate against any member of the school community.

· Treat other members of the school community unfairly.

The Trust’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.

Equality of opportunity and non-discrimination extends to the treatment of all members of the Trust community. All staff members are obliged to act in accordance will the Trust’s various policies relating to equality.

We will guarantee that no redundancy is the result of direct or indirect prejudice. All disciplinary procedures are non-prejudicial, whether they result in warnings, dismissal, or any other disciplinary action.

Closing statement

Prejudice is not tolerated and we are continuously working towards a more accepting and respectful environment for our Trust community.

As a Member of Meridian Trust, many policies relating to safeguarding, personnel and finance have been established by the Trust, while others are specific to Hatton Park Primary School and therefore are reviewed and revised by the Academy Council.

Please go to the following link for the Meridian Trust Equality and Diversity Policy:

https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/key-information/policies/