Protected Characteristics
The Equality Act.
The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of:
- Age
- Gender reassignment
- Being married or in a civil partnership
- Being pregnant or on maternity leave
- Disability
- Race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
This short video explains each characteristic.
Protected Characteristics Video
No form of discrimination is tolerated at school and the whole school community must show respect for those who share the protected characteristics.
At Scunthorpe Church of England Primary School, we actively promote the Protected Characteristics in our curriculum and work to embed them in our ethos.
They are reflected in our Vision Statement:
‘We are an inclusive and caring church school family providing a place of acceptance and hope for all faiths or none. All members have immeasurable potential, the chance to shine. We equip our school community to respond positively to life's challenges and develop ambition and hope for their future’
Our vision is rooted through Christian values, for our community this simply means that with God’s help we can open doors to a brighter future. We aim to give everyone the confidence to ask questions, be curious, resilient and ambitious, have a chance to shine and respond positively to life’s challenges.
How are the Protected Characteristics promoted in school?
The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in school through:
- Our school vision statement and school values.
- Our School Development plan
- School Behaviour Policy
- British Values
- Musician of the Month
- Picture News
- Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community.
- Collective Worship.
- Special celebration days/weeks e.g. Black History month, Interfaith week, Refugee week, cultural and religious festivals.
- PSHE and RE sessions.
- Discussion within curriculum subjects.
- STEM (challenging gender stereotypes in Careers Education).
- Careers week (challenging gender stereo types)
- Debates and discussions scaffolded by ‘talk tactics’ which build appropriate language and vocabulary.
- Pupil voice and pupil lead leadership groups.
- Educational visits.
- Extra-curricular activities including supporting the local community.
We do not teach about all the Protected Characteristics in every year group. The curriculum is planned and delivered so that our pupils develop age-appropriate knowledge and understanding during their time at our school.
Click the links below to see how we embed the Protected Characteristics in each year group.
