Equality Information and Objective Statement
General Duties
We welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. Fairfield Park Lower School aims to meet its obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty, by having due regard to 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 people who do not share it
· Foster good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any pupil, prospective pupil, or other member of the school community (e.g parents/staff/governors etc) because of a Protected Characteristic:
- 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.
At Fairfield Park Lower School there is no limit placed on what our children can achieve. We provide all children with the opportunity to enjoy learning and achieve their very best, in a safe, secure, and supportive environment. Our school sets high expectations for all learners to achieve high standards.
Aims to eradicate discrimination
We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and able to participate fully in school life. The achievement of pupils will be monitored by race, gender and disability and we will use this data to support pupils, raise standards and ensure inclusive teaching. We will tackle discrimination by the positive promotion of equality, challenging bullying and stereotypes and creating an environment which champions respect for all.
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:
- Using a Values based Education approach in all aspects of school life which underpins our school ethos with acceptance and respect.
- Always treating all members of the school community fairly and without prejudice.
- Developing an understanding of diversity which is a curriculum intent running through all our subjects.
- Diversifying our resources to ensure a breadth of representation across the curriculum.
- Maintaining an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all providing bespoke adaptations as necessary.
- Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness.
- Working with external providers to ensure our approach is forward thinking and research based, to allow key leaders to disseminate carefully crafted training for all staff.
- Upskilling staff to be alert to prejudice and discrimination, the effects that this can have and how they can challenge and support.
- Our school staff recognise that this is an ever changing constant process, needing continuing reflection, research and consultation.
We are committed to having a broad and balanced 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
All staff, teaching and non-teaching, should view dealing with incidents as vital to the well-being of the whole school. 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. School staff receive training on how to support such situations, if they arise. When an incident is reported, our school is devoted to ensuring appropriate action is taken, all parties are communicated with and the incident is appropriately recorded.
Our pupils are taught to be:
- Understanding of others
- Celebratory of 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 equality, diversity and inclusion
- Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude
- Lead by example
Advancing equality of opportunity (between people who share a protected characteristic and people who don’t)
- Removing or minimising disadvantages which are connected to a particular characteristic they have (e.g. pupils with disabilities, through the Accessibility Plan)
- Taking steps to meet the particular needs of people who have a particular characteristic (e.g. enabling Muslim staff / pupils to pray at prescribed times)
- Encouraging people who have a particular, protected characteristic to participate fully in any activities (e.g. encouraging all pupils to be involved in school clubs, trips)
- Evaluating the data and outcomes of key groups to ensure they continue to make the best possible progress and barriers to learning removed
Fostering good relations (between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not)
- Values ethos and culture, places positive relationships and respect at the heart of our school.
- Promoting understanding of a range of religions and cultures through different aspects of our curriculum. This includes teaching in All About Life (RE curriculum), RHE (Relationship and Health Education) education, but also activities in other curriculum areas. For example, all our inspirational people, e.g. artists, scientists, authors, chosen to enhance curriculum areas are chosen to ensure breadth and representation e.g. artists, scientists, authors.
- Celebrating children’s own lived experiences, and those of their families through activities such as Heritage Books, language of the month and sharing of significant religious / cultural celebrations.
- Holding assemblies to promote understanding of the Protected Characteristics, using national and international days to celebrate and learn about the historical relevance of significant events such as ‘Windrush Day’, ‘Neurodiversity Awareness Month’ and ‘International Women’s Day’. We also aim to promote intersectionality as much as possible, to develop a greater sense of cohesion. This information is shared with families, with additional guidance on how to continue discussions at home.
- Working with our local community. This includes organising school trips, visits and visitors based around our local community.
- We have developed links with organisations who have specialist knowledge about particular characteristics, which helps inform and develop our approach.
Consulting
We consult with our stakeholders, regarding equality, diversity and inclusion, through a range of activities. We use online questionnaires to hear the voice of our parent community and spend time with diverse groups of children to engage in pupil voice. Regular training and discussion for all staff enable consultation, alongside direct questions though online questionnaires. We recognise that misunderstandings can arise and we welcome open discussions with our community to ensure authentic view points and a shared understanding.
School Equality Objectives
As a school, we have chosen four main equality objectives, which best suit, our circumstances and contribute to the welfare of our pupils and our school community. They are a tool to help improve the school experience of a range of pupils. These equality objectives have arisen from an analysis of our published data and other information, where we have identified there is potential for improvement on equalities.
The Equality Act 2010 places an equality duty on all public bodies and requires them to publish equality objectives every 4 years. This document identifies the equality objectives that we will focus on over the next 4 years, from 2023 to 2027.
Our equality objectives, which were last updated in June 2023, are:
· To embed further all British Values to increase pupil understanding and how they are applied. (Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs).
· To further challenge stereotypes and ensure resources and teaching strategies reflect and value the diversity of pupil's experiences
· To promote equality of opportunity for those with protected characteristics, as well as those who are socio-economically disadvantaged.
· To collaborate with external EDI organisation to review school provision further and continue to enhance staff professional development.
Please click on the link below to view our Equality Policy:
