Abbeyfields School Equality Objectives 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
We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any student, prospective student, 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 students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity, and eradicating prejudicial incidents for students and staff. Our school is committed to not only eliminating discrimination, but also increasing understanding and appreciation for diversity. For example, through reading materials and units of work.
Aims to eradicate discrimination
We believe that a greater level of success from students 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. In 2019 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 students should be exposed to ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding, to help ensure that students 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 students 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 employees 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 school community. All staff members are obliged to act in accordance with the school’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.
Prejudice is not tolerated and we are continuously working towards a more accepting and respectful environment for our school community.
The school’s Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work Policy and Single Equality and Diversity Policy further outline the school’s policies regarding equality.
Abbeyfields Equality Objectives 2022-2024
- To promote character development through all appropriate curricular and extracurricular opportunities, with particular regard to issues of equality and diversity.
- Actively close gaps in attainment and achievement between pupils and all groups of pupils; especially those eligible for free-school meals, with special educational needs and disabilities, and looked after children.
- To ensure our Reading Spine includes authors, texts and central characters that represent BAME (Black and minority ethnicities). Also include texts that seek to reduce barriers, support learning and increase understanding of the nine protected characteristics.
