Statement

At Orchard Primary School 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 pupil, prospective pupil, or other member of the school community because of their:

• Gender.
• Race.
• Disability.
• Religion or belief.
• Sexual orientation.
• Gender reassignment.
• Pregnancy or maternity.

Orchard Primary School aims to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality, 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.

Eradicating Discrimination

Orchard Primary School believes that a greater level of success for pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals. Creating a prejudice-free environment where individuals feel confident and at ease is a commitment of the school. This environment will be achieved by:

• Being respectful (School's Golden Rule).
• Always treating all members of the school community fairly.
• Developing an understanding of diversity and the benefits it can have.
• Adopting an inclusive attitude.
• Adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all.
• Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness.

We are committed to having a balanced 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 instead promotes inclusive attitudes. We will also respect the right of parents to withdraw their children from classes which pose conflicts with their own beliefs.

Dealing with Prejudice

Orchard Primary School does 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, through a thorough reporting procedure, our school is committed 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 cultural diversity.
• Eager to reach their full potential.
• Inclusive.
• Aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour.

The school’s employees will not:

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

The school’s employees will:

• Promote diversity and equality.
• Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude.
• Lead by example.

Equality and Dignity in the Workplace

Orchard Primary School does not discriminate against staff with regard to their:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender reassignment.
• Marital or civil partner status.
• Pregnancy or maternity.
• Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex or 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.

Prejudice is not tolerated at Orchard Primary School and we are continuously working towards a more accepting and respectful environment for our schools community.

A copy of the AAT Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Employment Policy is available on the Policies page of our school website.