Equality and Diversity

Public Sector Equality Duty 

Equal Opportunities - Public Sector Equality Duty

At Abingdon, we welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2010 put in place a number of duties for public bodies, including schools, to ensure that they have due regard to certain 'protected' groups. All public bodies and schools must have due regard to:

1. Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

2. Advancing equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

3. Fostering good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

9 Protected Characteristics

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any pupil, prospective pupil or other members of the school community because of their:

• Race

• Religion or Belief

• Gender

• Disability

• Sexual Orientation

• Gender reassignment

• Pregnancy & maternity

• Age

• Marriage & civil partnerships (applicable to staff only)

The legal and local framework for this policy is:

• Race Relations Act 1976 (as amended in 2000)

• Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended in 2005)

• Children Act 2004

• Equality Act 2006

• Education and Inspections Act 2006

• Duty to Promote Community Cohesion, Education and Inspections Act 2006

• Stockport Diversity and Equality Policy and Comprehensive Equality Scheme

• Equality Act 2010

Abingdon Primary School is a welcoming school where everyone is valued highly and where tolerance, honesty, co-operation and mutual respect for others are fostered. A broad, balanced and appropriate curriculum provides equal opportunity for all pupils to maximise their potential regardless of disability, gender re-assignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, gender or sexual orientation. We endeavour to promote positive relationships with parents, governors and members of the wider community.

At Abingdon, our pupils are taught to be:

• Understanding of others.

• Celebratory of cultural diversity.

• Eager to reach their full potential.

• Inclusive.

• Aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour.

The school’s employees will:

• Promote diversity equality.

• Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude.

• Lead by example.

The school’s employees will not:

• Discriminate against any member of the school.

• Treat other members of the school unfairly.

We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to our school feel proud of their identity and able to participate fully in school life. The achievement of all children will be monitored and we will use data to support children, raise standards and ensure inclusive teaching and learning. We will tackle discrimination by the positive promotion of equality, challenging bullying and stereotypes and creating an environment which celebrates respect for all.

At Abingdon, everyone is special. Diversity is seen as a strength which should be valued by all those who learn, teach and visit here.