Equality Statement

At Priestsic Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to ensuring that every member of our school community is treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We promote equality of opportunity, celebrate diversity and work proactively to remove barriers that may prevent individuals from achieving their full potential.

Our approach is underpinned by the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. We aim to:

• eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
• advance equality of opportunity;
• foster positive relationships and understanding between different groups;
• provide an inclusive education in which every child can thrive;
• ensure that our policies, curriculum and practices promote equality and inclusion.

The protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010 are:

• age;
• disability;
• gender reassignment;
• marriage and civil partnership;
• pregnancy and maternity;
• race;
• religion or belief;
• sex;
• sexual orientation.

At Priestsic, we recognise that equality does not mean treating everyone in exactly the same way. We consider individual needs and circumstances and work to identify and remove barriers that could lead to unequal opportunities or outcomes.

Our Values

Equality and inclusion are embedded within our Priestsic values:

Respect • Kindness • Independence • Responsibility • Resilience • Self-belief

We believe that everyone should feel safe, valued, respected and included. Our school community works together to celebrate difference, challenge discrimination and create a culture in which everyone can belong. Staff, governors and pupils are expected to model our values, challenge discriminatory or prejudicial behaviour and promote positive relationships.

Equality in Practice

We promote equality and inclusion through all aspects of school life, including:

• Teaching and learning – ensuring all pupils have access to a broad, ambitious and inclusive curriculum.
• Curriculum and resources – providing opportunities for pupils to learn about different cultures, identities, beliefs, experiences and perspectives, while challenging stereotypes.
• SEND and accessibility – identifying and reducing barriers so that all pupils can participate and achieve.
• Enrichment and wider opportunities – ensuring pupils have equitable access to visits, clubs, competitions, leadership opportunities and school events.
• Behaviour and relationships – maintaining high expectations and challenging racism, sexism, homophobia, discrimination, bullying and prejudice in all forms.
• Language and communication – promoting respectful, inclusive and appropriate language.
• Family and community engagement – working positively with parents, carers and the wider community.
• Staff and governors – promoting fairness and equality in recruitment, professional development and our working environment.

We ensure that teaching materials and displays reflect the diversity of the wider world and provide positive, non-stereotypical representations wherever possible.

Monitoring and Review

Equality is the responsibility of everyone at Priestsic.

We monitor information relating to different groups of pupils, including attainment, progress, attendance, behaviour, participation and access to wider opportunities. Where differences or barriers are identified, we take appropriate action to improve outcomes and ensure pupils receive the support they need.

Governors and leaders review equality information and consider the impact of policies, practices and school improvement priorities on different groups.

Our Equality Objectives identify specific areas for development over a four-year period. Progress towards these objectives is monitored by leaders and governors and reviewed regularly.

Our Commitment

At Priestsic Primary and Nursery School, we want every child and adult to feel that they belong, are valued and can succeed.

We will continue to listen to our school community, celebrate diversity, challenge inequality and remove barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential.

Everyone belongs at Priestsic.