Protected Characteristics

Equality and Diversity

At Lisle Marsden C of E Primary Academy, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive school. Everyone should be able to achieve the best possible outcomes as a result of their participation. We believe that equality should permeate all aspects of school life and is the responsibility of all members of the school community.

At Lisle Marsden C of E Primary Academy diversity means acknowledging that there are differences between people that should be recognised, respected and celebrated. We promote respect of each other’s differences and identities. We celebrate and raise awareness of diversity in the academy and wider community and believe that teaching children about diversity prepares them for life in modern Britain.

It is our legal duty to promote equality (Equality Act, 2010) and to combat bullying (Education Act, 2006) (which includes homophobic, sexist, sexual and transphobic bullying) and Section 4.2 of the national curriculum (2014) states “Teachers should take account of their duties under equal opportunities legislation that covers race, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment.”

 

“Schools should be alive to issues such as everyday sexism, misogyny, homophobia and gender stereotypes and take positive action to build a culture where these are not tolerated, and any occurrences are identified and tackled. Staff have an important role to play in modelling positive behaviours. School pastoral and behaviour policies should support all pupils.” (DfE, 2019)

 

The Church of England Document “Valuing all God’s Children”, 2019 states:

“Central to Christian theology is the truth that every single one of us is made in the image of God. Every one of us is loved unconditionally by God. We must avoid, at all costs, diminishing the dignity of any individual to a stereotype or a problem. Church of England schools offer a community where everyone is a person known and loved by God, supported to know their intrinsic value” (page 1)

 

Protected Characteristics:

We want our children to learn that we all belong together regardless of different races, religions, sexualities, genders, abilities and ages. We encourage children to be proud of their differences and to understand the importance of not discriminating against, or being unfair to others because of their difference. Through our curriculum we will promote the children’s understanding of the protected characteristics.

Lisle Marsden Academy will ensure:

• We take into account the age and religious background of all pupils to ensure that their teaching is appropriate and to ensure that the topics outlined in the statutory guidance are appropriately handled.

• That the PSHE / RSE curriculum is accessible to all children, including those with SEND and disabilities.

• That teaching and the materials used to support teaching are appropriate for the age and maturity of pupils and sensitive to their needs.

• Transparency in what is being taught and make available to parents what is being taught and when.