The Equality Act 2010 was introduced to ensure protection from discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of specific characteristics (referred to as protected characteristics). For schools, this means that it is unlawful to discriminate against students or treat them less favourably because of their gender; race; disability; religion or belief; gender reassignment; sexual orientation; pregnancy or maternity, marriage and civil partnerships and age. 

We also recognise a 10th protected characteristic of social class and poverty. 
 Under the Act, the school is expected to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty. This requires us to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• Advance equality of opportunity between different groups
• Foster good relations between different groups
• As a public organisation, we are required to:
• Publish information to show compliance with the Equality Duty. This is done via our Equality Policy
• Publish Equality Objectives which are specific and measurable

Our Equality Policy is in line with national guidance and contains information about how the school complies with the Public Sector Equality Duty. We also give guidance to staff and outside visitors on our approach to promoting equality.
  

Our Equality Objectives reflect the school's priorities and the voice of our staff, children and parents and draw upon available data and other evidence. Careful analysis of this is undertaken in order to ensure that we are working to achieve improved outcomes for different groups.

Deaf Active  - YEAR 2 SIGN LANGUAGE 

Year 2 spend 10 weeks learning British Sign Language thanks to Deaf Active. The children have enjoyed this immensely and have been able to develop their understanding of how to be more inclusive and understanding of the needs of others.

During the Summer of 2022 we were able to return to children performing for our parents to showcase their skills, which will enable them to communicate with individuals who have hearing impairments. 

During the COVID pandemic we have been able to continue our Year 2 sessions with Deaf Active via Zoom. These year group sessions have also supported our children and staff's wellbeing.