Worthington School

Equality Information and Objectives Statement

Opening statement

We welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. The school’s general duties with regard to equality are:

• Eliminating discrimination.
• Fostering good relationships.
• Advancing equality of opportunity.

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

• 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.

Aims to eradicate discrimination

We believe that a greater level of success from pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals. Creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel confident and at ease is a commitment of the school. This environment will be achieved by:

• Being respectful.
• Always treating all members of the school community fairly.
• Developing an understanding of diversity and inclusion and the benefits it can have.
• Adopting an inclusive attitude and ensuring that the whole school community understands what inclusive behaviour looks like in the school and how this aligns with the school’s values.
• Adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all.
• Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness.
• Challenging bias in order to move the conversation forward.

We are committed to having a balanced, diverse and fair 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.

Dealing with prejudice and celebrating diversity

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. When an incident is reported, our school is devoted to ensuring appropriate action is taken and a resolution is put into place which is both fair and firm.

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 diversity and equality.
• Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude.
• Lead by example.
• Seek training if they need to improve their knowledge in a particular area.

Throughout the year, the school provides a variety of opportunities to celebrate diversity, including:

• Planning activities for key diversity awareness days.
• Inviting guest speakers to talk to pupils about diversity.
• Incorporating lessons about diversity into the curriculum.

Equality and dignity in the workplace

We do not discriminate against staff with regard to their:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender reassignment.
• Marital or civil partner status.
• Pregnancy or maternity.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.

Equality of opportunity and non-discrimination extends to the treatment of all members of the school community. All staff members are obliged to act in accordance will the school’s various policies relating to equality.

We will guarantee that no redundancy is the result of direct or indirect prejudice. All disciplinary procedures are non-prejudicial, whether they result in warnings, dismissal, or any other disciplinary action.

Diversity and representation

The school is committed to promoting the welfare and equality of all its staff, pupils and other members of the school community. 

To achieve this, the school has established the following objectives:

1. Eliminate discrimination and promote understanding between different groups of pupils

2. Advance equality of opportunity for pupils with SEND

3. Foster good relations between pupils from different backgrounds and with different characteristics

The school will regularly review the steps being taken and the progress made towards the achievement of these objectives and, in line with the specific duties of the PSED, publish this information on the school website every year. The school will update and publish its equality objectives at least every four years.  

Inclusion

Closing statement

Prejudice is not tolerated and we are continuously working towards a more accepting and respectful environment for our school community.

The school’s Equality Information and Objectives Policy, further outline the school’s policies regarding equality.

Updated February 2025

Definitions of the 9 Protected Characteristics

Age Where this is referred to, it refers to a person belonging to a particular age (e.g. 32 year old) or range of ages (e.g. 18-30 year olds). 

Disability A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment which has substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. 

Gender reassignment The process of transitioning from one gender to another. 

Marriage and civil partnership In England and Wales marriage is no longer restricted to a union between a man and a woman but now includes a marriage between a same-sex couple. Same-sex couples can also have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil partnerships'. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably than married couples (except where permitted by the Equality Act). 

Pregnancy and maternity Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding. 

Race Refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins. 

Religion and Belief Religion has the meaning usually given to it but belief includes religious and philosophical beliefs including lack of belief (e.g. Atheism). Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition. 

Sex A man or a woman. 

Sexual Orientation Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.

Equality Objectives for Worthington Primary School

Equality Objectives

Based on the school's context, vision and values, and improvement priorities, we have identified the following three equality objectives for Worthington Primary School:

1. Eliminate discrimination and promote understanding between different groups of pupils
2. Advance equality of opportunity for pupils with SEND
3. Foster good relations between pupils from different backgrounds and with different characteristics

Action Plan (2024 -2025)

Objective 1: Eliminate discrimination and promote understanding between different groups of pupils

Actions	Person Responsible	Resources Needed	Time Frame	Success Criteria
Review and update the school's anti-bullying policy to explicitly address all forms of discrimination	Headteacher, Governing Body	Staff time, policy templates	3 months	Updated anti-bullying policy in place that clearly outlines the school's approach to eliminating discrimination
Deliver staff training on recognising and addressing all forms of discrimination	Headteacher, Equality Lead	Training materials, external facilitator (if required)	6 months	All staff have received training and demonstrate increased awareness and confidence in addressing discrimination
Implement a programme of assemblies and PSHE lessons focused on promoting understanding between different groups	PSHE Lead, Class Teachers	Curriculum resources, external speakers (if required)	1 academic year	Pupils demonstrate increased understanding and respect for diversity through pupil voice and reduced incidents of discrimination
Monitor and report on incidents of discrimination, and the school's response, to the Governing Body	Headteacher, Equality Lead	Behaviour logs, incident reporting system	Ongoing	Termly reports to Governors show a reduction in incidents of discrimination and evidence of effective response

Objective 2: Advance equality of opportunity for pupils with SEND

Actions	Person Responsible	Resources Needed	Time Frame	Success Criteria
Review the school's SEND policy and information report to ensure they reflect the school's commitment to equality of opportunity	SENCO, Headteacher, Governing Body	SEND policy templates, local authority guidance	3 months	Updated SEND policy and information report published on the school website
Provide additional training for teaching staff on making reasonable adjustments and adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND	SENCO, External Providers	Training materials, staff meeting time	6 months	All teaching staff demonstrate increased confidence and competence in supporting pupils with SEND
Implement a programme of targeted interventions and support for pupils with SEND to help them access the full curriculum and achieve their potential	SENCO, Class Teachers, Teaching Assistants	Intervention resources, staff time	1 academic year	Pupils with SEND make accelerated progress and achieve their individual targets
Monitor the progress and attainment of pupils with SEND and report to the Governing Body	SENCO, Headteacher	Assessment data, tracking systems	Ongoing	Termly reports to Governors show that pupils with SEND are making good progress and the attainment gap is narrowing

Objective 3: Foster good relations between pupils from different backgrounds and with different characteristics

Actions	Person Responsible	Resources Needed	Time Frame	Success Criteria
Review the school's curriculum to ensure it reflects and celebrates the diversity of the school community and the wider world	Curriculum Leads, Class Teachers	Curriculum resources, external speakers (if required)	1 academic year	Curriculum plans and lessons demonstrate increased representation and positive portrayal of different backgrounds and characteristics
Organise a programme of events and activities that promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds	PSHE Lead, Class Teachers	Event planning resources, external partners (if required)	1 academic year	Pupils demonstrate increased knowledge and respect for diversity through pupil voice and participation in events
Encourage and facilitate opportunities for pupils to engage with their local community and build connections with people from different backgrounds	Headteacher, Community Engagement Lead	Community partnerships, transport (if required)	Ongoing	Increased number of community engagement activities and positive feedback from pupils and the local community
Monitor pupil attitudes and relationships, and report on the school's progress in fostering good relations to the Governing Body	Headteacher, Equality Lead	Pupil voice, behaviour logs, staff observations	Ongoing	Termly reports to Governors show improved pupil relationships and attitudes towards diversity

Child-Friendly Equality Objectives

1. We will make sure everyone is treated fairly and with respect, no matter who they are.
2. We will help children with special educational needs and disabilities to learn and do their best.
3. We will help children from different backgrounds and with different characteristics to get along well and understand each other.

Impact Statement

The successful implementation of these equality objectives at Worthington Primary School will have a significant positive impact on the school community. By eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity for pupils with SEND, and fostering good relations between pupils from different backgrounds, the school will create a more inclusive, supportive, and harmonious environment where all pupils can thrive.

Pupils will feel safe, respected, and valued, regardless of their individual characteristics or background. They will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity, which will prepare them for life in modern, multicultural Britain. The school's curriculum and activities will reflect and celebrate the diversity of the school community, promoting a sense of belonging and pride.

Pupils with SEND will have their needs better met, with tailored support and adaptations to the curriculum, enabling them to access learning and achieve their full potential. This will help to narrow the attainment gap and ensure that all pupils, regardless of their abilities or needs, have equal opportunities to succeed.

By fostering good relations between pupils, the school will create a more cohesive community where everyone feels welcomed and included. Pupils will learn to appreciate and respect each other's differences, building important social and emotional skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Overall, the successful implementation of these equality objectives will contribute to the school's vision of "Opportunity and Achievement for All", ensuring that every pupil at Worthington Primary School has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.