We are 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, religion and belief, or socio-economic background.  We are delighted to have our ARP2 teacher, Althea Powell, lead on equalities and diversity across the whole school.

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 have carefully considered and analysed the impact of the Equality Policy on equality and the possible implications for individuals with protected characteristics which are age, disability, gender, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to meet the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) requirement we will have due regard to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations in all our endeavours.

We are very excited to begin the 'You Be You' programme in January 2023

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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.

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

• All learners are of equal value
  This includes those that 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.
• Recognising, respecting and valuing difference and understanding diversity
  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. We believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit here.
• Fostering positive attitudes and relationships
  We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect between groups and communities different from each other.
• Fostering 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.
• Observing 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.
• Having the highest expectations of all our children
  We expect that all pupils can make good progress and achieve to their highest potential
• Working 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.