‘The Church repudiates as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against people or any harassment of them on the basis of their race, colour, condition in life or religion’.
Vatican ll Nostra Aetate 1965
‘We believe that each person possesses a basic dignity that comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment, not from race or gender, age or economic status’.
The Common Good in Education. Catholic Education Service 1997
STATEMENT OF INTENT
St Mary’s Catholic Primary recognises that certain groups in society have historically been disadvantaged because of unlawful discrimination. This policy will put in place a range of actions to eliminate prejudice, unlawful discrimination and victimisation within the school community and workforce.
We believe that the purpose of education is concerned with the development of the whole person. Each of us is a unique individual and we have diverse cultural, linguistic, religious and racial backgrounds.
When we speak of offering equal opportunities for all, it does not imply that everyone will be treated in exactly the same way: special measures may need to be taken to ensure equality of opportunity for diverse circumstances.
We aim to build a school community which is inclusive and lives out the values of diversity and equality.
We respect and treasure the richness that diversity brings, whilst ensuring that there are no obstacles to opportunity for all.
OUR AIMS ARE:
- To ensure a mutual respect for all pupils and staff;
- To provide appropriate academic education for all by helping all to achieve the best of which they are capable;
- To respect difference, value diversity and seek to prepare pupils for life in a multi-cultural society, promoting equal opportunities and good race relations;
- To help pupils appreciate the cultural traditions of which they are members and the diversity and richness of other traditions;
- To develop in all pupils and staff an awareness of and a commitment against all forms of discrimination;
- To ensure that learning resources show sensitivity to a range of different groups and cultures;
- To design school policies and practices so that no discrimination takes place, whether racial or in terms of disability or gender, this is especially important in the areas of admissions, recruitment, selection and appointment of staff, promotion, harassment and disciplinary procedures.
We see all learners and their parents, as of equal value, regardless of any protected characteristic.
The school is opposed to all forms of prejudice and recognises that children and young people who experience any form of prejudice-related discrimination may fare less well in the education system.
The school will ensure that all staff comply with the appropriate equality legislation and regulations.
The school’s Admissions Policy will not discriminate against any protected characteristic in any way.
THE SCHOOL WILL:
- Ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities, given necessary training and support, and report progress to the Governing Body;
- Ensure that the recording and reporting of equality and diversity is sufficiently scrutinised;
- Foster positive attitudes and relationships, a shared sense of cohesion and belonging, and ensure this is promoted in our policies, procedures and activities;
- Observe good equalities practice in staff recruitment, retention and development, and ensure that all policies and procedures benefit all employees and potential employees regardless of any protected characteristic, and with full respect for legal rights relating to pregnancy and maternity;
- Reduce and remove inequalities and barriers that may already exist;
- Engage with a range of groups and individuals to ensure that those who are affected by a policy, procedure or activity are consulted and involved in the design of new policies, and in the review of existing ones;
- Ensure that policies, procedures and activities benefit society as a whole, both locally and nationally, by fostering greater social cohesion, and greater participation in the public life of everyone, regardless of any protected characteristic;
- Ensure staff promote an inclusive and collaborative ethos in the school, challenging inappropriate language and behaviour, responding appropriately to incidents of discrimination and harassment, and showing appropriate support for pupils with additional needs, maintaining a good level of awareness of issues surrounding equality.
We welcome our general duty under the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity.
Information and Guidance on the Equality Act 2010
Equality and Diversity Policy
Accessiblity Plan
