Equality and Diversity
Equality Statement
At Dronfield Junior School, we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, both as an employer and an education provider. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which the individuals of the school community feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in school life. We tackle discrimination through the positive promotion of equality, by challenging bullying and stereotypes and by creating an environment which champions respect for all. Our school is a safe, secure and stimulating place for everyone and we treat everyone fairly and with respect.
At Dronfield Junior School, we believe that diversity should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us. We consult and involve people from different groups in our decisions.
Equality in Teaching and learning
We provide all our pupils with the opportunity to succeed and to reach their highest potential. We do this by:
- Ensuring equality of access for all pupils and preparing them for life in a diverse society. We understand that treating people equally does not always involve treating them all exactly the same.
- Using materials that reflect the diversity of the school, population and local community without stereotyping
- Promoting attitudes and values that challenge any discriminatory behaviour or prejudice
- Providing opportunities for pupils to appreciate their own culture and celebrate the diversity of other cultures
- Seeking to involve all parents in supporting their child’s education
- Utilising teaching approaches appropriate for the whole school population which are inclusive and reflective of our pupils.
- Utilising funding strategically to reduce barriers to learning. We recognise that for some pupils extra support is needed to help them to achieve and be successful.
Equality in Admissions and Exclusions
Our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent and do not discriminate on the grounds of disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background
Equal Opportunities for Staff
All staff appointments and promotions are made on the basis of merit and ability and in compliance with the law.
Equality Duty
We welcome our general duty under the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, to advance equality or opportunity and to foster good relations, and our specific duties to publish information every year about our school population; to explain how we have due regard for equality; and to publish equality objectives which show how we plan to tackle particular inequalities, and reduce or remove them. We have a series of policies, under our parents tab, in policies, that support this Equality Statement.
Definitions
Discrimination is unfair treatment towards another or a group of individuals who share one or some of the protected characteristics.
Direct Discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably than others because of a protected characteristic.
Discrimination by Association occurs when someone is treated less favourably because someone they are associated with, such as a friend, family member or carer, has a protected characteristic.
Direct Discrimination by Perception occurs when someone is treated less favourably because someone believes they have a protected characteristic, regardless of whether their perception is correct or not.
Indirect discrimination can be more difficult to identify and sometimes is not intended. It can occur due to a lack of understanding of the law or a genuine error of judgement about an individual. For example, a policy that is applied to all individuals equally may inadvertently disadvantage individuals or groups who have a protected characteristic. It is therefore essential that all aspects of school life and policies are scrutinised carefully to avoid any unlawful provision, criterion, or practice.
Victimisation occurs when an individual has either raised a complaint or grievance that they have been discriminated against based on having a protected characteristic; or has supported someone who has raised a complaint or grievance.
Harassment is any form of unwanted behaviour intended to violate an individual’s dignity or create an environment which may be described as hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive. The victim will be subject to this harassment based on a protected characteristic or the perception that they have a protected characteristic, or because they are associated with someone who has a protected characteristic.
Prejudice can be conscious or unconscious and involves stereotypes, prejudgments, and beliefs (which are usually negative) about an individual, or group of people, based on a protected characteristic.
Useful links
Equality Act 2010: guidance for schools
Convention on the Rights of the Child (Unicef)
Equality and Human Rights Commission
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(CRPD)