At Hermitage Primary School, we welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010 as both a provider of education and as an employer. We believe that all pupils and members of staff should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential whatever their background, identity and circumstances. We are committed to creating a community that recognises and celebrates difference within a culture of respect and co-operation. We appreciate that a culture which promotes equality will create a positive environment and a shared sense of belonging for all who work, learn and use the services of our school. We recognise that equality will only be achieved by the whole school community working together.
Our core principles are that all pupils, families and staff are of equal value:
· Whether or not they are disabled
· Whatever their ethnicity, culture, national origin or national status
· Whatever their gender and gender identity
· Whatever their religious and non-religious affiliation or faith background
· Whatever their sexual orientation
· Whatever their marital status
· Whether they are currently pregnant or have recently given birth
· Whatever their age
· Whether or not English is their first language
· Whether or not they have a connection with the forces community
· Whether or not they are living in temporary accommodation such as a refuge
We recognise that we have duties under the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the school community to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations in relation to age, disability, ethnicity, gender (including issues of transgender, maternity and pregnancy), religion and belief, sexual orientation and marital status. We also recognise that we have a duty under the Education & Inspections Act 2006 to promote community cohesion, i.e. developing good relations across different cultures and groups. We appreciate that these duties reflect the international human rights standards as expressed in the UN Convention on Rights of the Child, the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and the Human Rights Act 1998.
We recognise and respect difference. We recognise that treating people equally does not necessarily involve treating them all the same. We recognise that our policies, procedures and activities must not discriminate but must take account of diversity and the kinds of barriers and disadvantage that staff, parents/carers or pupils may face in relation to their protected characteristics.
For further information please refer to our Accessibility Policy
