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.

We recognise that these duties reflect international human rights standards as expressed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and the Human Rights Act 1998.

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

1. All learners are of equal value
   This includes those that are disabled, whatever their ethnicity, culture, national origin or national status, whatever their sex and gender identity, whatever their religious or non-religious affiliation or faith background and whatever their sexual orientation.
2. 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, sex, 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. 
3. Fostering positive attitudes and relationships
   We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect between groups and communities different from each other.
4. 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.
5. 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. 
6. Having the highest expectations of all our children
   We expect that all pupils can make good progress and achieve to their highest potential
7. 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.

Our Equalities objectives are evaluated yearly by the SLT and link governor. This is reported to the Local Advisory Body at their summer term meeting. (Our link governor for Equalities is Melanie Venables.)

For more information please see the following policies:

• Equalities Policy
• Equalities Objectives