Opening statement

We welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. The school’s general duties with regard to equality are:

• Eliminating discrimination.
• Fostering good relationships.
• Advancing equality of opportunity.

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any staff member, pupil, prospective pupil, or other member of the school community because of their:

• Sex.
• Age.

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

We aim to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity, and eradicating prejudicial incidents for pupils and staff. Our school is committed to not only eliminating discrimination, but also increasing understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Aims to eradicate discrimination

We believe that a greater level of success from pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals. Creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel confident and at ease is a commitment of the school. This environment will be achieved by:

• Being respectful.
• Always treating all members of the school community fairly.
• Developing an understanding of diversity and inclusion and the benefits it can have.
• Adopting an inclusive attitude and ensuring that the whole school community understands what inclusive behaviour looks like in the school and how this aligns with the school’s values.
• Adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all.
• Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness.
• Challenging bias and calling it out in order to move the conversation forward.

We are committed to having a balanced, diverse and fair curriculum. We believe that our pupils should be exposed to ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding, to help ensure that pupils learn to become more accepting and inclusive of others. Challenging and controversial concepts will be delivered in a way that prevents discrimination and promotes inclusive attitudes.

Dealing with prejudice and celebrating diversity

We do not tolerate any form of prejudice-related incident. Whether direct or indirect, we treat discrimination against all members of our school with the utmost severity. When an incident is reported, our school is devoted to ensuring appropriate action is taken and a resolution is put into place which is both fair and firm.

Our pupils are taught to be:

• Understanding of others.
• Celebratory of diversity.
• Eager to reach their full potential.
• Inclusive, accepting and tolerant.
• Aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour.

The school’s employees will not:

• Discriminate against any member of the school community.
• Treat other members of the school community unfairly.

The school’s employees will:

• Promote diversity and equality.
• Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude.
• Lead by example.
• Seek training if they need to improve their knowledge in a particular area.

Throughout the year, the school provides a variety of opportunities to celebrate diversity, including:

• Planning activities for key diversity awareness days.
• Inviting guest speakers to talk to pupils about diversity.
• Incorporating lessons about diversity into the curriculum.

Our Anti Bullying Policy and Behaviour Policy sets out how such incidents relating to prejudice are dealt with fairly and firmly, and where appropriate through a restorative approach.

Equality and dignity in the workplace

We do not discriminate against staff with regard to their:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender reassignment.
• Marital or civil partner status.
• Pregnancy or maternity.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.

Equality of opportunity and non-discrimination extends to the treatment of all members of the school community. All staff members are obliged to act in accordance will the school’s various policies relating to equality.

We will guarantee that no redundancy is the result of direct or indirect prejudice. All disciplinary procedures are non-prejudicial, whether they result in warnings, dismissal, or any other disciplinary action.

Our recruitment and retention, ECT, and Pay Policy address aims in these areas. Our Staff Code of Conduct and Staff Disciplinary Policy set out principles and actions in relation to staff behaviour.

Diversity and representation

At the Purbeck School we develop the curriculum to ensure that there is representation and diversity. We aim to celebrate diversity and promote acceptance and kindness. We provide opportunities for our students to be inspired by individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexualities, religions, and ethnicities. We aim to celebrate differences and ensure opportunities for this throughout the year.

Inclusion

At The Purbeck School we believe that every child, of every ability, should have the opportunities to develop and achieve. Where required we adapt our teaching, learning, and curriculum, to strive for an inclusive learning environment. We welcome parent engagement and will work with them in partnership to support inclusivity.

Equality Objectives

Equality objectives may arise, for example, from analysis schools carry out on their published data or other information, where they have identified an area where there is potential for improvement on equalities, through surveys with parents, students and staff, or in anticipation of a change in local circumstances or population demographic.

Each year, our Senior Leadership Team and Board of Governors agree a School Development Plan which includes a range of objectives. These include objectives relating to promoting equality and opportunity for all.