At Wittersham Church of England Primary School, we are committed to promoting equality and ensuring that every member of our community is valued, respected, and included. The principles outlined in the Equality Act 2010 guide our approach to equality and diversity, and we recognise the importance of fostering a learning environment where all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, feel safe, secure, and of equal worth.

Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 identifies several protected characteristics, which include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We are committed to eliminating discrimination, harassment, and victimisation related to any of these characteristics, ensuring that all members of our community are treated fairly and with respect.

General Duty

In accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), we aim to:

1. Eliminate Discrimination: We actively work to prevent and address any discrimination, harassment, victimisation, or any other prohibited conduct based on protected characteristics.
2. Advance Equality of Opportunity: We ensure that all members of our school community, regardless of their protected characteristics, have the opportunity to participate fully in school life and reach their potential.
3. Foster Good Relations: We work to foster positive relationships between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not, promoting understanding, empathy, and cooperation.

Specific Duty

To ensure we are meeting the specific duties under the Equality Act 2010, we:

1. Publish Information: We publish information that demonstrates how we comply with the equality duty. This information reflects our ongoing commitment to equality and highlights the actions we take to support inclusivity.
2. Equality Objectives: We prepare and publish measurable equality objectives that focus on addressing any identified gaps or areas for improvement in relation to equality and diversity within our school.

Equality in Practice

At Wittersham, we believe that equality is not just a principle but a practice that should be evident in all aspects of school life. We strive to ensure that all individuals, whether they are staff, students, or members of the wider community, feel valued, supported, and empowered.

By embracing and upholding the values of the Equality Act 2010, we aim to create an inclusive, fair, and respectful environment where all individuals are given the tools and opportunities to succeed. Equality is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to ensuring that Wittersham Church of England Primary School remains a place where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.