Public Sector Equality Duty Statement

Dunmore Primary School fully accepts its Public Sector Equality Duties under the Equality Act 2010, to have due regard for the need to:

• Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act;

• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; and

• Foster good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents/carers and other school stakeholders and particularly in regard to our responsibilities under our Public Sector Equality Duties, the following protected characteristics:

• age
• gender reassignment
• being married or in a civil partnership
• being pregnant or on maternity leave
• disability
• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and can participate fully in school life.

We tackle discrimination (direct or indirect) through the positive promotion of equality, by challenging bullying and stereotypes and by creating an environment which champions respect for all.

At Dunmore Primary School, we believe that diversity is a strength which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us.

Legislation and guidance

This document meets the requirements under the following legislation:

• The Equality Act 2010, which introduced the Public Sector Equality Duty and protects people from discrimination
• The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011, which require schools to publish information to demonstrate how they are complying with the Public Sector Equality Duty and to publish equality objectives

This document is also based on Department for Education (DfE) guidance: The Equality Act 2010 and schools.

Eliminating discrimination

The school is aware of its obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and complies with non-discrimination provisions.

Where relevant, our policies include reference to the importance of avoiding and challenging discrimination and other prohibited conduct.  

Staff and governors are regularly reminded of their responsibilities under the Equality Act – for example, during meetings. Where this has been discussed during a meeting, it is recorded in the meeting minutes.

The school has a designated member of staff for monitoring equality issues, and an equality link governor. They regularly liaise regarding any issues and make senior leaders and governors aware of these as appropriate.

Advancing equality of opportunity

As set out in the DfE guidance on the Equality Act, the school aims to advance equality of opportunity by:

• Removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people that are connected to a particular characteristic they have.
• Taking steps to meet the needs of people who have a particular characteristic.
• Encouraging people who have a particular characteristic to participate fully in any activities (e.g. encouraging all pupils to be involved in the full range of school societies)
• In fulfilling this aspect of the duty, the school will:

• Analyse attainment data each academic year looking at how pupils with different characteristics are performing and determine strengths and areas for improvement and implement actions in response
• Collate evidence identifying improvements for specific groups of pupils
• Publish further data about any issues associated with protected characteristics, identifying any issues which could affect our own pupils

Fostering good relations

The school aims to foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not share it by:

• Promoting tolerance, friendship and understanding of a range of religions cultures, identities and backgrounds through different aspects of our curriculum. This includes teaching in RE, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, but also activities in other curriculum areas. For example, as part of teaching and learning in English/reading, pupils will be introduced to literature from a range of cultures.
• Holding assemblies dealing with relevant issues.
• Working with our local community in order to provide opportunities for all.
• Encouraging and implementing initiatives to deal with tensions between different groups of pupils within the school. For example, our school council has representatives from different year groups and is formed of pupils from a range of backgrounds. All pupils are encouraged to participate in the school’s activities, such as sports clubs. We also work with parents to promote knowledge and understanding of different cultures.

Equality in Teaching and learning

We provide all our pupils with the opportunity to succeed and to reach the highest level of personal achievement. We do this by:

• Ensuring equality of access for all pupils and preparing them for life in a diverse society.

• 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/carers in supporting their child’s education.

• Utilising teaching approaches appropriate for the whole school population which are inclusive and reflective of our pupils.

Equality in Admissions  

Our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent and do not discriminate.

Equal Opportunities for Staff

All staff appointments and promotions are made based on merit and ability and in compliance with the law and in line with the Oxfordshire County Council’s recruitment policies. We are keen to continue to work towards the recruitment of a staff that reflects the diversity of our community.

 

Please refer to our separate document for our Equality Objectives 2023 to 2027.