c) Equality Policy
Written by: Melissa Eades
Reviewed: February 2008
Our school is committed to the principles and practice of equality of opportunity for all children and adults irrespective of their social, economic, cultural, religious or linguistic backgrounds. Our aim is to ensure that no one is discriminated against or unfairly treated on the grounds of gender or ability. This approach influences all aspects of the life of the school: employment, admissions, management, the curriculum, assessment, the management of behaviour and the choice and deployment of resources. Our commitment is underpinned by both national legislation and the policies of the local authority.
Equal Opportunities Policy
At
We strive to ensure that
A safe secure school where adults and children feel happy, valued and
respected.
A school where everybody works hard together to achieve the best.
A reflective school where there is openness, honesty and a desire to improve.
We aim to provide a stimulating and caring environment where children will:
· listen with care to instructions, and to the contributions of others.
· speak with clarity and confidence, and express personal opinions
thoughtfully.
· experience excitement in scientific investigation and problem solving
· extend their natural curiosity and questioning.
· have a knowledge of the world in which they live, an awareness of their local environment and of other times, places and people, as well as an under standing of human achievements and aspirations throughout the world.
· respect other individuals, groups and nations as well as others’ religious and moral values, and ways of life
· have an awareness of creativity and the place of art and music in society as a means of expression.
· develop concentration, co-operation, listening, visual, motor, oral and
literacy skills, and the ability to analyse and to make choices
· value their school and local environment, and help care for it.
· respect and look after their surroundings, understanding the importance of agreed rules within society, leading to an appreciation of being a part of a community
· have a pride in their work and strive continually for high standards,
adopting a positive approach and willingness to learn.
In order to achieve this we :
· Foster a family atmosphere within the school where individuals know that they are listened to, valued and respected.
· Recognise that the school is a place of learning, and that the environment including the playground and school grounds should be safe, secure yet stimulating.
· Provide a wide range of experiences and opportunities to cater for the needs of all learners so that they can succeed physically, academically, intellectually, socially and emotionally
· Involve families and the wider community to enrich our school life
· Expect high standards in work and behaviour and acknowledging success and achievement.
· Are aware of and provide for children’s specific individual needs where possible; working closely with a range of other professionals offering support and guidance
· Present positive role models to pupils
Roles and Responsibilites
The governing Body
- To ensure the school complies with the legislation relating to race, disability and other issues relating to equal opportunities for all
- To ensure that this policy and its related procedures and strategies are put into practice
Headteacher
- To ensure that the policy is implemented
- Ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities and are given appropriate and necessary training
- Taking the appropriate action in the case of any discrimination that occurs
- Following Local Education Authorities guidance on responding to racist incidents (Appendix A)
- Ensure equality is built in to other policies
All Staff
- Know how to deal with discriminatory incidents
- Be aware of how to identify and challenge discrimination
- Promote equality and good cultural relations
- Never discriminate
- Keeping up to date with legislation by attending training and information opportunities
Visitors and contractors
All visitors and contractors should be aware of and comply with the schools policies.
It is the responsibility of every member of the school community to tackle discrimination whenever, wherever and however it occurs.
Teaching and Learning
Our curriculum is carefully planned to meet the educational needs of all children. We aim to counteract all forms of discrimination and promote positive attitudes.
We use the statistics on gender, socio-economic background and ethnicity provided by the LA relating to Key Stage 1 and Foundation Stage to raise our awareness of any underachieving groups of children and make plans to target these groups.
EMTAG funding is used to employ a part-time TA. The purpose is to raise the standard of work and self esteem of Ethnic Minority, EAL, Traveller children and any other groups identified in as being in need of enhanced support, including more able/gifted and talented pupils.
Pupils are grouped in different ways to learn. They may be in ability, friendship, mixed gender, support, or self-selected groups.
Within the different curriculum areas, resources are carefully chosen and vetted to exclude stereotypical views and language, and broaden awareness of the multicultural society in which we live.
Resources for use by the children are chosen carefully to cater for their individual needs e.g. provision of left-handed scissors, pencil grips, word-banks, 100squares etc.
Circle time is used in classes to promote positive attitudes, including valuing achievement which may be non-academic. This may be for individual or group work. The broad range of achievement is also celebrated in our newsletters and weekly Awards Assemblies.
Displays provide opportunities for showing pupils in successful activities. These promote self esteem and peer appreciation.
The School Council provides a forum for children to express their views in a democratic way. Representatives from Years 1 and 2 have the responsibility of attending school council meetings representing the views of their class. They discuss each of the questions brought up and vote for acceptance or rejection. All children also have the opportunity to take on other responsibilities eg class line leader, hall monitors,eco-monitors, equipment helpers, plant carers etc.
Specific physical or emotional needs are discussed with parents/carers, with advice sought from other professionals, and if necessary management plans drawn up. The aim is to enable a pupil, despite their problems, to benefit to the maximum from all the school can offer.
Parents/Carers
We encourage parents to be a member of the Sunnymede PTA group This support group gives an excellent role model of adults, from a large variety of backgrounds, working co-operatively organising social and fund raising events.
Staffing and Employment
The school recruits trains and promotes staff on the basis of their ability and potential, in accordance with LA guidelines.
Monitoring
This policy is monitored by the Headteacher and LT. It will be reviewed every 3 years, or earlier if appropriate. The Governing Body will monitor the operation of the policy through the monitoring of the School Improvement Plan and the aspects of Every Child Matters.
Other related policies
The principles outlined in this policy underpin all policies in the school. The following policies have particular relevance:
Race Equality
SEN/Inclusion Policy
Multicultural Education Policy
EAL Policy
Teaching,Learning and Curriculum Policy
More Able, Gifted and Talented Policy
Healthy Schools
We have “Investors in People” status and work as a team to give every child a positive foundation to lifelong learning. We are proud of our school, and want every child to feel proud of being part of our community.