Our Commitment to Equality

At Elmwood Infant School, we are committed to ensuring that every child and adult in our school community is valued, respected and given equal opportunities to thrive.

We celebrate the diversity of our community and recognise the unique strengths, experiences, cultures, languages, beliefs and identities of every individual.

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold School, children’s rights underpin our ethos and daily practice. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children feel safe, respected, listened to and able to achieve their full potential.

We actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion and do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, prejudice or bullying.

The Public Sector Equality Duty

As a maintained school, Elmwood Infant School is committed to meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The Public Sector Equality Duty requires schools to have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010.
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

The protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are:

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

We recognise that some members of our community may experience barriers to participation, achievement or belonging. We seek to identify and remove these barriers through our policies, curriculum, pastoral support and everyday practice.

How We Promote Equality at Elmwood

Our commitment to equality is embedded across school life through:

• An inclusive and accessible curriculum which reflects and celebrates diversity.
• Teaching children to respect themselves and others.
• Promoting positive relationships and challenging prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes.
• Ensuring children with SEND are fully included in learning and school activities.
• Making reasonable adjustments to support disabled pupils and adults.
• Monitoring attendance, achievement, behaviour and participation to identify and address inequalities.
• Providing opportunities for children to learn about different cultures, religions, families and communities.
• Promoting children’s rights through our Rights Respecting School approach.
• Working in partnership with parents, carers and external agencies to support inclusion.
• Providing staff training and professional development to promote equality and inclusive practice.