Hundon and Thurlow Primary Federation is committed to the principle of equality for all pupils irrespective of race, religion, gender, language, disability or family background, and to the active support of initiatives designed to further this principle. We believe that equality is at the heart of good educational practice. All pupils are of equal value and deserve equal access to every aspect of school life.

The Equality Act 2010 requires us to publish information that demonstrates that we have due regard for the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct 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 between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

At Hundon and Thurlow Primary Federation we are aware of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and understand that it is unlawful to discriminate and treat some people less fairly and to put them at a disadvantage.

OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE: Through our policies and practice to foster positive relationships and a shared sense of belonging and to challenge any inequalities or barriers that exist. To welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations.

We are undertaking to address this in a number of ways:

Promoting Equality: Curriculum

We aim to provide all our pupils with the opportunity to succeed, and to reach the highest level of personal achievement. To achieve this we will ensure the delivery of our curriculum:

• reflects a commitment to equality;
• prepares pupils for life in a diverse society and uses opportunities to reflect the background and experience of pupils and families in the school and our wider community;
• offers opportunities to explore concepts and issues related to identity and equality;
• promotes attitudes and values that challenge discriminatory behaviour and language;
• uses non-stereotyped materials which reflect accurately a range of cultures, identities and lifestyles;
• utilises technology to enhance the learning of all pupils and to support the teaching and learning of those with disabilities;
• broadens the understanding of staff, governors and pupils of our multi-cultural society and the need to challenge inequality;
• gives children first-hand experience talking to visitors, participating in activities through theme days and making visits to understand and see how different people live their lives.

 

Promoting Equality: Achievement

There is a consistently high expectation of all pupils regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, social background and sexual orientation. To secure the best possible outcomes we recognise that:

• Adults in the school will be expected to provide good, positive role models in their approach to all issues relating to equality of opportunity;
• It is important to identify the particular needs of individuals and groups within the school and to use targeted interventions to narrow gaps in achievement;
• It is important to place a high priority on the provision for special educational needs and disability;
• A range of teaching methods need to be used throughout the school to ensure that effective learning takes place at all stages for all pupils and that to promote pupil engagement pupils are encouraged to be actively involved in their own learning.

 

Promoting Equality: Ethos and Atmosphere

At Hundon and Thurlow Primary Federation, we are aware that those involved in the leadership of our school communities are instrumental in demonstrating mutual respect between all members:

• There should be a feeling of openness, understanding and compassion which welcomes everyone to our schools;
• The children are encouraged to greet visitors, once introduced by members of staff, to our schools, with friendliness and respect;
• The displays around our schools are of a high quality, reflect diversity across all aspects of equality and are frequently monitored;
• Reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure access for pupils and visitors (including parents) with disabilities;
• Provision is made to cater for the cultural, moral and spiritual needs of all children through planning of collective worship sessions (assemblies), through our BRAVE and PSHEE learning, our themed days and classroom based as well as off-site activities;
• Pupils are given an effective voice, through our School Councils and through pupil perception surveys which regularly seek their views;
• Positive role models are used throughout our schools to ensure that different groups of pupils can see themselves reflected in the school community.

 

Promoting Equality: Staff Recruitment and Professional Development

• All posts are advertised formally and open to the widest pool of applicants;
• All those involved in recruitment and selection are trained and aware of what they should do avoid discrimination and ensure good equality practice through the recruitment and selection process;
• Steps are taken to encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for positions at all levels of the school;
• Access to opportunities for professional development is monitored on equality grounds;
• Equalities policy and practice is covered in all staff inductions;
• All supply staff and contractors are made aware of equalities policy and practice;
• Employment policy and procedures are reviewed regularly to check conformity with legislation and impact.

Promoting Equality: Countering and Challenging Harassment and Bullying

• The Federation counters and challenges all types of discriminatory behaviour and this is made clear to staff, pupils, parents and governors;
• The Federation has a clear, agreed procedure for dealing with prejudice related bullying incidents and has a nominated member of staff responsible for recording and monitoring incidents;
• The Federation reports to Governors, parents and LA on an annual basis the number of prejudice related incidents recorded in the school.

 

Promoting Equality: Partnerships with Parents/Carers and the Wider Community

Hundon and Thurlow Primary Federation aims to work in partnership with parents and carers. We:

• Take action to ensure parents/carers from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the full life of our schools;
• Ensure that there are good channels of communication to ensure parents views are captured and acted upon. We do this through day-to-day discussion with parents, parent forums, surveys and online questionnaires;
• Encourage members of the local community to join in school activities, assemblies and celebrations;
• Ensure that the parents/carers of newly arrived pupils e.g. EAL, Traveller or pupils with disabilities are made to feel welcome.

 

For further details, including how this monitored, please see our Federation Equalities Policy which can be viewed by clicking here.