Single Equality Scheme:

The Equality Act 2010 introduced a single Public Sector Equality Duty that applies to public bodies, including maintained schools and Academies, and extends to certain protected characteristics. This combined equality duty came into effect in April 2011. It has three main elements. In carrying out their functions, public bodies are required to have due regard to the need to:

• eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act;
• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it;
• foster good relations across all characteristics - between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of their protected characteristics, which are:

• age;
• gender reassignment;
• being married or in a civil partnership;
• being pregnant or on maternity leave;
• disability
• ethnic group including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin;
• religion or belief;
• sex;
• sexual orientation.

The nine protected characteristics are actively promoted in school through: 

• Our school ethos: Together, we do our best for Jesus.
• Our school curriculum 
• Collective Worship
• Our school behaviour policy
• Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community
• Active engagement and communication with parents and caregivers
• British Values
• Discussion within curriculum subjects, taking a cross-curricular approach
• Promoting articulation by building appropriate language and a coherent vocabulary
• Religious Education (RE) lessons
• Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum
• Charity work 
• Sports, art and cultural events and themed weeks
• Pupil voice
• Educational visits and workshops within the school
• Real-life learning outside of the classroom
• Developing links with local, national and international communities
• Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs and volunteering within the local community

Embedding protected characteristics into the whole school ethos of Springhill Catholic Primary School promotes: 

• An understanding that the freedom to choose and practice a faith or belief is protected in law
• An acceptance that other people have different faiths or beliefs from oneself, should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
• Promoting self-esteem, self-knowledge and self-confidence
• Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process
• Acceptance of responsibility for their own behaviour
• Respect for their own and other cultures
• Understanding of how they can contribute positively to school and home life and to the lives of those living and working in the locality and further afield
• An understanding of equality, human rights and protected characteristics
• An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process
• An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their well-being and safety
• An understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination

Below is a copy of our policy.