Equality and Diversity
St. Vincent’s Primary School is committed to challenging discrimination and promoting equality at all levels and in all aspects. On 1st October 2010, the Equality Act 2010 replaced all existing equality legislation such as the Race Relations Act, Disability Discrimination Act and Sex Discrimination Act.
The Equality Act 2010 provides a single, consolidated source of discrimination law.
Schools cannot unlawfully discriminate against pupils because of their sex, race, disability, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
The Equality Act 2010 introduces a single equality duty on public bodies which will be extended to include all of the following protected characteristics:
- Race
- Disability
- Sex
- Age
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Gender reassignment
This combined equality duty came into effect in April 2011 and has three main elements. In carrying out our function, St. Vincent’s Primary School is required to have due regard to the need to:
- Eliminate conduct that is prohibited by the Act
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
- Foster good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
There are some exceptions replicated in the act e.g. content of curriculum, collective worship, admissions to single sex schools and schools of a religious character
We recognise the value of diverse environments and strive to promote a culture in which all pupils, staff and members of the school community are welcomed and supported to fulfil their potential, irrespective of their background or personal characteristics.
We are committed to an ethos and culture of inclusion in our School for all pupils, irrespective of race, religion/belief, political views, disability, SEN status, gender, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
St. Vincent’s Catholic Primary School is an inclusive school where we focus on the wellbeing and progress of all our children and where all members of our school community are of equal worth.
We recognise, respect and value difference and understand that diversity is a strength that enriches our lives. We take account of differences and strive to remove any barriers to learning and development.
We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination and bullying and harassment. As a school community, we recognise the need to champion equality and ensure inclusion for all pupils in the full life of our school; where appropriate making necessary adjustments to enable everyone’s participation.
St. Vincent’s Catholic Primary School believes that education (both formal and informal learning) is fundamental to equality of opportunity. It prepares young people for life and is a powerful influence on access to and advancement in employment. All young people should be able to learn and develop fully in a truly diverse and inclusive environment.
All our policies and practices are fully inclusive and supportive of a welcoming culture for all communities; this is evidenced in our practices and procedures
