Equalities

Equality and Diversity Statement

1.    Principles

Air Balloon Hill Primary School is an inclusive school where we focus on the well-being and progress of every child and where all members of our community are of equal worth. We are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers receiving services from the school, irrespective of race, gender, disability, faith, religion, beliefs or socio-economic background. 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.

We believe that the Equality Act provides a framework to support our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality and fostering good relationships between people. It also ensures that we continue to tackle issues of disadvantage and underachievement of different groups.

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.

At Air Balloon Hill Primary School we believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit here.

Our approach to equality is based on the following 7 key principles

1. All learners are of equal value. Whether or not they are disabled, whatever their ethnicity, culture, national origin or national status, whatever their gender and gender identity, whatever their religious or non-religious affiliation or faith background and whatever their sexual orientation.
2. We recognise, respect and value difference and understand that diversity is a strength. We take account of differences and strive to remove barriers and disadvantages which people may face, in relation to disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, belief or faith and sexual orientation.
3. We foster positive attitudes and relationships. We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect between groups and communities different from each other.
4. We foster a shared sense of cohesion and belonging. We want all members of our school community to feel a sense of belonging within the school and wider community and to feel that they are respected and able to participate fully in school life.
5. We observe good equalities practice for our staff. We ensure that policies and procedures benefit all employees and potential employees in all aspects of their work, including in recruitment and promotion, and in continuing professional development
6. We have the highest expectations of all our children. We expect that all pupils can make good progress and achieve to their highest potential
7. We work to raise standards for all pupils, but especially for the most vulnerable. We believe that improving the quality of education for the most vulnerable groups of pupils raises standards across the whole school.

2.    Legislation and Compliance

The principles of equality and diversity are set out in the following School policies:

• Equalities Policy
• Accessibility Plan
• Special Educational Needs and Disability Inclusion Policy
• Sex and relationships Education Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Behaviour Policy

We comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011. We will meet our obligations under the Act, including the requirement to undertake review and consultation. The school’s policies and procedures that relate to equality and diversity are overseen by the Link Governor for Equalities and the Governors Standards Committee which meet regularly.

3.    Equality Objectives

Our Equality Objectives are:

1. All pupils make at least expected progress across EY, KS1, KS2 in English and Mathematics regardless of their gender; ethnicity; religion or belief; sexual orientation or disability

2. Promote the respect and celebration of diversity and equality throughout the curriculum; which includes promoting role models and heroes that young people positively identify with. These will reflect the school’s diversity in terms of race, gender and disability.

3. Ensure the Equalities and related policies are available on the school website. Promote this to parents and children so they are aware of the policies and their responsibilities under the Equalities Act

Please read our Equalities Policy