At Widmer End Community Combined School and Pre-School, we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of equality, inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and are able to participate fully in school life, building and securing strong and positive relationships with others. We tackle discrimination through the positive promotion of equality and by challenging bullying and stereotypes. Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is reflected in our school policies and procedures.

The 2010 Equality Act makes it an offence to discriminate against a person due to the 9 protected characteristics. At Widmer End School, no form of discrimination is tolerated and our pupils show respect for those who share the protected characteristics. We do not teach about all the protected characteristics in every year group. However, the curriculum is planned and delivered so that our pupils develop age-appropriate knowledge and understanding during their time here.

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of:

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

Age

A person belonging to a particular age (for example 32 year olds) or range of ages (for example 18 to 30 year olds).

Disability
A person has a disability if she or he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Gender reassignment

The process of transitioning from one sex to another.

Marriage and civil partnership
Marriage is a union between a man and a woman or between a same-sex couple. Same-sex couples can also have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil partnerships'. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably than married couples (except where permitted by the Equality Act).

Pregnancy and maternity
Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.

Race
Refers to the protected characteristic of race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.

Religion and belief
Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief refers to any religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.

Sex
A man or a woman.

Sexual orientation
Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.

The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in school through:

• Our school core values
• Our school’s positive behaviour policy
• Conscious role-modelling by all adults in the school community
• Active engagement and communication with parents and carers
• Assemblies such as our Values assemblies and themed assemblies
• Discussion within curriculum subjects, taking a cross-curricular approach
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) sessions (Jigsaw programme)
• Religious Education (RE) lessons & Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) lessons
• Sporting, art and cultural events
• Educational visits
• Guest speakers
• Developing links with local, national and international communities such as the Schools Linking Project & Man’gan’ga School
• Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs, charity work and work within the local community

Equality in Admissions and Exclusions
Our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent and we do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, religion, belief, disability and/or socio-economic background.

Equal Opportunities for Staff & Governance
All staff appointments and promotions are made on the basis of merit and ability and in compliance with the law. We are keen to ensure that the staffing and governance of the school reflects the diversity of our community so particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. With this in mind, we do not positively discriminate and will recruit people with the right skills that will add value to the work of the staff team or governing body.

The school has a full and separate Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. Please consult this for further details if you wish.