Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within The Valley Federation

The 3 golden rules of our schools: ‘Be Kind, Show Respect and Listen well’ are taught and modelled explicitly and are used to help to maintain Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal opportunities will be promoted and inequalities will not be tolerated in any aspect of the schools’ life and work.

All staff, governors and volunteers at The Valley Federation of Edale C of E (VC) and Hope Primary Schools are aware of the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. They are aware of the Equality Act 2010 that legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

The Act makes it unlawful for the responsible body of a school to discriminate against, harass or victimise a pupil or potential pupil:

• in relation to admissions,
• in the way it provides education for pupils,
• in the way it provides pupils access to any benefit, facility or service, or
• by excluding a pupil or subjecting them to any other detriment.

It is unlawful for a school to discriminate against a pupil, prospective pupil, staff or prospective staff by treating them less favourably because of their:

• sex
• race (the definition of race includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins.)
• disability
• religion or belief (including no belief)
• sexual orientation/ identity
• gender reassignment
• pregnancy or maternity
• marriage and civil partnership
• age (applies to schools in their role as an employer but not in relation to pupils.)

The Act defines four kinds of unlawful behaviour – direct discrimination; indirect discrimination; harassment and victimisation.

Schools are allowed to treat disabled pupils more favourably than non-disabled pupils, and in some cases are required to do so, by making reasonable adjustments to put them on a more level footing with pupils without disabilities.

What do we do as a Federation?

• At the start of meetings of staff or of Governors everyone is reminded of their responsibilities under the Act, and to take due regard of equality, diversity and inclusion during discussions and policy making.
• The schools have an Equality policy and objectives.
• Equality Impact Assessments will be completed as required.
• The schools have an accessibility plan for disabled pupils to;
  • Increase the extent of participation
  • Improve the physical environment
  • Improve the availability of accessible information
• The Federation ensure arrangements are made to support pupils at school with medical conditions.
• There is appropriate training and information for staff.
• The Federation ensure equality and diversity is in the curriculum and collective worship.
• All children will be given equal access to the curriculum and life of the school.
• The staff ensure barriers, bias and stereotypes do not go unchallenged.
• The schools take part in annual events such as Black History month, deaf awareness week, odd socks day and celebrates festivals from all religions e.g. Eid and Diwali.
• The Federation ensure that the attainment of pupils with protected characteristics is monitored and published so long as that it does not identify individuals.
• The schools investigate and act upon any reports or allegations of discrimination.

If you have any comments or concerns regarding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within our Federation then please contact the Head teacher or the Chair of governors