Co-op Academy Smithies Moor

Equality Policy and  Objectives

Introduction

The Co-op Academy Smithies Moor welcomes its duties under the Equality Act (2010). The Equality Act establishes 9 protected characteristics which apply to schools and academies  however only the first 7 characteristics apply to pupils:

❖ Age

❖ Disability

❖ Gender reassignment

❖ Marriage and civil partnership

❖ Pregnancy and maternity

❖ Race

❖ Religion or belief

❖ Sex

❖ Sexual Orientation

Marriage and civil partnership are also protected characteristics under the Equality Act but it’s  not covered by the public sector equality duty.  

Public Sector Equality Duty (2011)

This policy sets out how Co-op Academy Smithies Moor has paid due regard to the need: ❖ to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is  prohibited by or under this Act

❖ to advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected  characteristic and persons who do not share it

❖ to foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic  and persons who do not share it.

Specific Duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty

❖ To publish information which demonstrates our compliance with the need to have due  regard for the three aims of the General Duty

❖ To prepare specific and measurable objectives which we pursue to achieve the three aims ❖ This scheme sets out the steps the Local Governing Body has taken that will result in improved outcomes for all members of the academy community in all aspects of academy  life, taking positive action to promote equality.

Definition of ‘due regard’ and how we aim to comply with the principles of the general duty

1. While making a decision that might affect an equality group, the decision-maker must have  regard to the three aims of the Act at the time. This cannot be done in retrospect, nor can it be  delegated.

2. The duty is exercised with rigour and with attention to relevant evidence, including that derived  from consultation with staff and the wider community.

3. The duty is continuing, so we will revisit it and bear it in mind constantly 4. We will keep records to show that the equality duties have been considered on each occasion

Academy Ethos, Vision and Co-operative Values

At the Co-op Academy Smithies Moor we are committed to ensuring equality of education and  opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers, with a particular focus on those who share a  protected characteristic. We recognise that treating people equally does not necessarily involve  treating them all the same. We aim to include a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all  those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and able to participate fully in school  life. Clear links exist in many policies across school with SEND, Behaviour and our ethos and  values ranking highly.

What we do

In order to comply with the public duty we have the following procedures in place to ensure that  we consider the needs of all of our pupils in everything we do.

i) Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by  or under this Act

ii) Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected  characteristic and persons who do not share it

iii) Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and  persons who do not share it

❖ We actively engage at the earliest point with new families greeting them warmly and new  or prospective parents are given a tour of the academy. At the point of entry we gather  information from a range of sources e.g. family, child, previous school or any external  agencies.

❖ We track all aspects of a child’s provision and progress through half-termly progress  reviews, MSP’s and SEND review systems.

❖ We use observation systems within the academy to ensure all children’s needs are met in  lessons

❖ All data is scrutinises in detail so possible vulnerable groups of children are tracked for  progress and attainment

❖ We listen and actively engage with families on a daily basis having an open door policy ❖ We review and evaluate the effectiveness of our academy provision  

This means:

❖ We will actively encourage positive attitudes towards pupils and staff and expect everyone to treat others with dignity and respect.

❖ We will take reasonable steps to meet individual pupil’s needs by varying the approach and methods to teaching and plan reasonable adjustments for

disabled pupils, enabling our pupils to take as full a part as possible in all activities in school.

❖ We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure the school environment and activities are as accessible and welcoming as possible for all staff, pupils and visitors.

❖ We will ensure that the curriculum taught, will help to promote awareness of the rights of individuals, to help pupils understand and value diversity, promote common and British values and challenge prejudice and stereotyping.

❖ Through the teaching of the Co-op values we will ensure that we aim to promote understanding and tolerance and prevent harassment and

discrimination against the protected characteristics.

❖ We will monitor the progress and achievements of pupils by the relevant and appropriate protected characteristics. This information will help the school to ensure that individual pupils are achieving, that the school is being inclusive in practice and that trends are identified which inform the setting of equality

objectives in the future.

❖ We will ensure that the curriculum is accessible to all pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or those for whom English is not their first language.

❖ We will actively seek the views of advisory staff, outside agencies and partnerships across schools and the Co-op Academies Trust to train staff and to help promote and advance equality.

❖ Bullying and prejudice related incidents will be carefully monitored, recorded and dealt with effectively. Regular training for all staff will be given to ensure they are aware of the process for reporting and following up incidents of

prejudice related bullying.

❖ We will expect that all staff are role models for equal opportunity, deal with bullying and discriminatory incidents and be will able to identify and challenge prejudice and stereotyping.

❖ Throughout the year we will plan on-going events to raise awareness of equality and diversity.

❖ We will consult with all stake-holders i.e. pupils, staff, parents to ensure that the school has wide range of views to ensure that our equality objectives are

effective.

Equality Impact Assessment

We evaluate all aspects of the academy life with regard to the protected characteristics by means  of an Equality Impact Assessment.

An Equality Impact Assessment is similar to undertaking health and safety risk assessments. It  involves predicting and assessing what the implications of a policy or practice will be on groups  of people and trying to ensure that they are not unintentionally disadvantaged by the policy or  practice. 

Consultation

The Co-op Academy Smithies Moor recognises the importance of taking account of people’s  differing experiences, needs and histories, and of the differing challenges and barriers which they  may face. Bearing in mind the protected characteristics, consultation with those we have  identified as likely to be affected forms part of every Equality Impact Assessment. Primarily we  consult with pupils. However we also consult with parents/carers, staff, governors and other  school users when appropriate. We consult in the following ways:

❖ We ensure that our academy council represents the views of all equality groups by  ensuring that they consult with their classes before decisions are made.  

❖ We meet pupils individually to discuss their needs and progress

❖ LAC & SEND children directly contribute to their own review procedures ❖ All children are encouraged to express opinions  

❖ Parents are invited to comment on key policies prior to adoption e.g. the Behaviour Policy.

How we measure the impact of any changes

We monitor the ongoing impact of these changes on those who may be affected in the following  ways:

❖ Tracking of pupil achievement across the school with an additional focus on equality  groups

❖ Track the progress and attainment of Free School Meals, SEND pupils, English as an  additional Language and LAC

❖ We act on findings quickly and report actions to the Local Governing Body  ❖ Pupil surveys that demonstrate emotional health and well-being, engagement and  involvement

❖ We listen parents and act to improve any concerns or issues

Publication and Review

The specific duties under this Act require us to be open and transparent about all our decision making processes, intentions and results.

We review and publish this information and its impact on our pupils through: ❖ An annual report to the Governing Body

❖ Reports on the school website

❖ Meetings with parents

Review date: September 2023