Equality and Diversity

In October 2010, the Equality Act was introduced which requires that all schools and organisations aim to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Starbeck Primary Academy aims to do everything possible to make sure all people are treated fairly and that our children have access to the best possible education. We aim to celebrate the values and diversity of our community and we actively promote the principle of equality for all. We aim to ensure that everyone within our community is treated fairly and with dignity and respect. We seek to eliminate any form of inequality, bullying or discrimination.

Protected Characteristics

Under the Equality Act there are 9 protected characteristics as detailed in the image above. Under the Equality Act you are protected from discrimination:

• When you are in the workplace or school/college.
• When you use public services.
• When you use businesses and other organisations that provide services and goods.
• When you use transport.
• When you join a club or association.
• When you have contact with public bodies like your local council or government departments.

 The ways in which we promote the 9 protected characteristics in school through: 

• Our school vision statement, Academy improvement plan and SEF (Self-evaluation Form)
• Our school values
• School policies (Anti-bullying & Harassment, Positive Behaviour & Inclusion)
• Adults acting as role-models
• Assemblies
• British Values teaching
• PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) curriculum
• Pupil Voice
• Educational Visits
• Guest speakers
• Sports and Arts and Other Cultural Events
• Religious Education lessons, RSE (Relationships Education) and specific talks on Protected Characteristics
• Links with local, national and international communities and organisations (e.g. UNICEF) 

Protected Characteristics are embedded into the school ethos through: 

• Zero-tolerance for any forms of discrimination.
• Promoting and teaching progressive learning behaviours as a core part of all learning – self-esteem, managing feelings, empathy.
• Promoting democracy (School Council, Green Futures Board).
• Ensuring that all children have appropriate understanding of Equality, Human Rights and Protected Characteristics.
• Ensuring children understand how citizens can influence decision making through the democratic process.
• Providing opportunities for children to contribute positively to school, home, local community and wider.
• Ensuring an appreciation of rule of law and how this protects individuals.
• Our school promotes that children must accept responsibility for their own behaviour.
• Ensuring that children have respect for their own and others cultures.
• Promoting school expectations that any form of discrimination must be identified and dealt with.
• Providing quality education that ensures children understand that other people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted and tolerated and should be the cause of discrimination.