Springfield Primary School, is committed to promoting the welfare and equality of all its staff, pupils and other members of the school community

We welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. The school’s general duties with regard to equality are:

• Eliminating discrimination.
• Fostering good relationships.
• Advancing equality of opportunity.

From September 2022, we have embarked on a journey to become a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and we are now a Bronze accredited school. This means  have started to implement the UN Convention’s Rights of the Child. These will eventually be threaded through our policies, curriculum and become part of our whole school ethos.

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any staff member, pupil, prospective pupil, or other member of the school community because of their:

• Sex.
• Age.

• Race.
• Disability.
• Religion or belief.
• Sexual orientation.
• Gender reassignment.
• Pregnancy or maternity.
• Marriage and civil partnership.

We aim to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity, and eradicating prejudicial incidents for pupils and staff. Our school is committed to not only eliminating discrimination, but also increasing understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Aims to eradicate discrimination

We believe that a greater level of success from pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals. Creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel confident and at ease is a commitment of the school. This environment will be achieved by:

• Being respectful.
• Always treating all members of the school community fairly.
• Developing an understanding of diversity and inclusion and the benefits it can have.
• Adopting an inclusive attitude and ensuring that the whole school community understands what inclusive behaviour looks like in the school and how this aligns with the school’s values.
• Adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible to all.
• Encouraging compassion and open-mindedness.
• Challenging bias and calling it out in order to move the conversation forward.

 We are committed to having a balanced, diverse and fair curriculum. We believe that our pupils should be exposed to ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding, to help ensure that pupils learn to become more accepting and inclusive of others. Challenging and controversial concepts will be delivered in a way that prevents discrimination and promotes inclusive attitudes.

Dealing with prejudice and celebrating diversity  

We do not tolerate any form of prejudice-related incident. Whether direct or indirect, we treat discrimination against all members of our school with the utmost severity. When an incident is reported, our school is devoted to ensuring appropriate action is taken and a resolution is put into place which is both fair and firm.

 Our pupils are taught to be:

• Understanding of others.
• Celebratory of diversity.
• Eager to reach their full potential.
• Inclusive we show respect to each other and welcome everyone
• Aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour

The school’s employees will not:

• Discriminate against any member of the school community.
• Treat other members of the school community unfairly.

 The school’s employees will:

• Promote diversity and equality.
• Encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude.
• Lead by example.
• Seek training if they need to improve their knowledge in a particular area.

Throughout the year, the school provides a variety of opportunities to celebrate diversity, including:

• Planning activities for key diversity awareness days.
• Incorporating lessons about diversity into the curriculum.
• Opportunities to explore the articles of the UN Rights of the Child and gain an understanding on the impact we as individuals can have on our community and the world around us.

Equality and dignity in the workplace

At Springfield we observe good practice in staff recruitment, retention and development and ensure that all policies and procedures benefit all employees and potential employees. We do not discriminate against staff with regard to their:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender reassignment.
• Marital or civil partner status.
• Pregnancy or maternity.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.

Equality of opportunity and non-discrimination extends to the treatment of all members of the school community. All staff members are obliged to act in accordance will the school’s various policies relating to equality.

We will guarantee that no redundancy is the result of direct or indirect prejudice. All disciplinary procedures are non-prejudicial, whether they result in warnings, dismissal, or any other disciplinary action.

Diversity and representation

We aim to develop a culture of diversity whereby success is celebrated and the whole school community feel proud of their identity and valued. We strive to create an environment in which everyone can participate fully in school life and success for all is championed.

Inclusion

At Springfield, we are an inclusive school where every child really does matter and believe that every child can “Be the Best They Can Be”.  Our pupils; learning, attitudes, achievements and well-being are at the forefront of all that we do.   We understand the varied needs and life experiences of our pupils and provide equal opportunities for all. As we continue on our journey with UNICEF and aim to become a Gold Rights Respecting school, our children will learn about the UN Convention’s Rights of the Child and understand that  every child has rights,whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status.

Closing statement

Prejudice is not tolerated and we are continuously working towards a more accepting and respectful environment for our school community.

The school’s Pupil Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy further outline the school’s policies regarding equality.

Policy adopted November 2023

Policy review November 2024