Equality of Opportunity
GREENFYLDE CHURCH OF ENGLAND FIRST SCHOOL
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY POLICY
Rationale
Equality of opportunity is vital because we want all children to gain maximum benefit from being part of our school. To do this we shall provide a secure environment for learning, where differences are respected and valued and where all members of the school community are aware of the impact of their behaviour on others. This policy statement is intended as a document of reference and guidance. It will be necessary to ensure that participants in the life of our school are aware of this policy, and where necessary, be provided with particular examples of how this policy should be implemented. It should be noted that Governors have a statutory responsibility, under the Sex Discrimination Act and the Race Relations Act, where it pertains to employment, to ensure equality of opportunity at school.
This policy should be taken as part of the overall strategy of the school and operated within the context of our vision, aims and values as a Church of England School.
Purpose
It is the intention of this school to promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of differences such as:
* gender
* race or ethnic background
* disability in any form
* religion
* colour
* first language
* nationality
* abilities or capabilities
and other apparent differences which might be economic, social, physical, visual or family background in origin. We believe that behaviours based on respect for differences are vital to the development of individuals who can play a full role in the community at large as well as in the school.
Guidelines
1. Abuse, unfair discrimination and harassment
This is defined as any sort of behaviour, focusing on difference or disability, which is humiliating, ridiculing and/or undermines confidence and self-respect. If we value difference it should not be the origin or cause of physical abuse, verbal abuse, derogatory jokes/comments, written abuse or inferior treatment.
SUCH BEHAVIOUR IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THIS SCHOOL
Incidents should be reported by staff, children or parents to the headteacher who will record them. All staff, teaching and non-teaching alike, are aware of this procedure. The headteacher will follow up incidents with both the abused and the abuser(s). The headteacher will report regularly to the Governing Body on the effectiveness of this policy.
2. Curriculum
The curriculum will be developed and delivered so that all girls and all boys enjoy equal access to the fullest range of experiences and educational opportunities available within the school and avoid stereotypes, which limit expectations and aspirations of any child.
3. Resources
All resources should be equally accessible and available to all pupils. This will require us to be particularly conscious of differences and to be innovative and positive in our approach to access. All new resources will be evaluated to ensure that their content avoids negative stereotypes and promotes a positive image of the opportunities and possibilities available in our school and in the later stages of the educational system.
4. School Ethos
The school must be welcoming to all and provide a secure environment in which all children have an equal opportunity to learn and develop their capabilities.
5. Staffing
The school intends that all job applicants and existing members of staff are treated equally and fairly in all matters such as the advertising of vacancies, selection, promotion, training and professional development.
Conclusion
The Governors, staff and children of this school agree that any form of abuse, harassment or unfair discrimination is wrong and will be challenged. We will do all within our power to promote respect for difference and support that with strong policies and actions. We intend to recognise and celebrate the diversity of individual contributions that children and other members of the school community are able to make to the life of our school.
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY POLICY
Rationale
Equality of opportunity is vital because we want all children to gain maximum benefit from being part of our school. To do this we shall provide a secure environment for learning, where differences are respected and valued and where all members of the school community are aware of the impact of their behaviour on others. This policy statement is intended as a document of reference and guidance. It will be necessary to ensure that participants in the life of our school are aware of this policy, and where necessary, be provided with particular examples of how this policy should be implemented. It should be noted that Governors have a statutory responsibility, under the Sex Discrimination Act and the Race Relations Act, where it pertains to employment, to ensure equality of opportunity at school.
This policy should be taken as part of the overall strategy of the school and operated within the context of our vision, aims and values as a Church of England School.
Purpose
It is the intention of this school to promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of differences such as:
* gender
* race or ethnic background
* disability in any form
* religion
* colour
* first language
* nationality
* abilities or capabilities
and other apparent differences which might be economic, social, physical, visual or family background in origin. We believe that behaviours based on respect for differences are vital to the development of individuals who can play a full role in the community at large as well as in the school.
Guidelines
1. Abuse, unfair discrimination and harassment
This is defined as any sort of behaviour, focusing on difference or disability, which is humiliating, ridiculing and/or undermines confidence and self-respect. If we value difference it should not be the origin or cause of physical abuse, verbal abuse, derogatory jokes/comments, written abuse or inferior treatment.
SUCH BEHAVIOUR IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THIS SCHOOL
Incidents should be reported by staff, children or parents to the headteacher who will record them. All staff, teaching and non-teaching alike, are aware of this procedure. The headteacher will follow up incidents with both the abused and the abuser(s). The headteacher will report regularly to the Governing Body on the effectiveness of this policy.
2. Curriculum
The curriculum will be developed and delivered so that all girls and all boys enjoy equal access to the fullest range of experiences and educational opportunities available within the school and avoid stereotypes, which limit expectations and aspirations of any child.
3. Resources
All resources should be equally accessible and available to all pupils. This will require us to be particularly conscious of differences and to be innovative and positive in our approach to access. All new resources will be evaluated to ensure that their content avoids negative stereotypes and promotes a positive image of the opportunities and possibilities available in our school and in the later stages of the educational system.
4. School Ethos
The school must be welcoming to all and provide a secure environment in which all children have an equal opportunity to learn and develop their capabilities.
5. Staffing
The school intends that all job applicants and existing members of staff are treated equally and fairly in all matters such as the advertising of vacancies, selection, promotion, training and professional development.
Conclusion
The Governors, staff and children of this school agree that any form of abuse, harassment or unfair discrimination is wrong and will be challenged. We will do all within our power to promote respect for difference and support that with strong policies and actions. We intend to recognise and celebrate the diversity of individual contributions that children and other members of the school community are able to make to the life of our school.