Equality Duty
Single Equality Statement
To meet the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duty, our school is required to consider how our policies, practices and day-to-day activities impact on pupils and staff. We are required to have “due regard” to the need to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
- Advance equality of opportunity;
- Foster good relations.
At Thomlinson Junior School (hereinafter referred to as ‘the school’), we are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers receiving services from our school, irrespective of race, gender, disability, faith or religion or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to our school feel proud of their identity and can participate fully in school life.
We have taken an organisational approach and have ensured that all equality strands are part of the work of our school, particularly in relation to creating policy and practice around both delivery of our service and employment but also in relation to other functions such as setting budgets and making appointments.
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 inclusivity. We will tackle discrimination by the promotion of equality, challenging bullying and stereotypes and creating an environment which champions respect for all. We believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit here.
The Single Equality Scheme (SES) to which this Statement relates also highlights how our school has worked with and listened to the staff, pupils, parents and carers to inform development of objectives and the need and commitment required to ensure the Scheme is a success. This is underpinned by a commitment to promoting positive relationships and understanding between all groups within our school community.
The SES sets out how pupils with the following protected characteristics will be protected in our school from harassment and discrimination:-
- Disability
- Gender
- Race
- Religion and belief
- Sexual orientation
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy and maternity
This Scheme extends, however, to cover all aspects of vulnerability, including those associated with socio-economic factors (e.g. pupils from low income families), Children Looked After and those with Child Protection plans.
As well as delivering high quality services to our pupils, the school is also committed to being a good employer and as such the Scheme outlines how we meet our duties in terms of recruitment and selection practices. We are committed to be fully inclusive of all community users, including parents. As such, the Scheme therefore also sets out how we will work to overcome discrimination related to the other protected characteristics:-
- Age
- Being married or in a civil partnership
Part 2 of our Single Equality Scheme (information to demonstrate compliance with the public sector equality duty) will be reviewed, updated and published annually with the subsequent objectives (Part 3) being prepared and published at least every 4 years.