What is the Public Sector Equality Duty (the PSED)?

The Public Sector Equality Duty requires public bodies to promote equality.  The relevant protected characteristics are-

• age

• disability,

• gender reassignment

• pregnancy and maternity

• race

• religion or belief

• sex

• sexual orientation

Legislation and guidance

This document meets the requirements under the following legislation:

• The Equality Act 2010, which introduced the public sector equality duty and protects people from discrimination

• The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011, which require schools to publish information to demonstrate how they are complying with the public sector equality duty and to publish equality objectives

This document is also based on Department for Education (DfE) guidance: The Equality Act 2010 and schools.

THE EQUALITY ACT 2010

The general equality duty is contained in S149 of the Act and requires schools to have “due regard” to the need to:

• eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act;

• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not, and

•  foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

We will assess equality implications in relation to all new school policies, procedures and projects as part of our on-going duty to have due regard to our general duty. This will help to ensure the school is not unlawfully discriminating against certain individuals or groups with protected characteristics in line with our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

EQUALITY OBJECTIVES

The school’s current objectives are specific, measurable and achievable. They relate to people with protected characteristics and cross reference the three strands of the general duty. They represent our school’s priorities.

The school’s objectives are the outcome of a careful review and analysis of our school data and other information. We have chosen a combination of targets.

The Headteacher will report to the Governing Body in relation to the progress we have made towards achieving our objectives. The Governing Body will ensure the school’s equality objectives are reviewed annually and that they are updated at least every four years.

The school’s current Equality Objectives are:-

Objective 1

To reduce the use of prejudice-related derogatory incidents and use of derogatory language specifically aimed at race, gender and homophobic terms.

Objective 2

To ensure all staff and governors are well informed of the Equality Duty Act and are able to deliver and challenge everyone’s right to equality.

Objective 3

To close gaps in attainment and progress between groups of pupils, especially disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND.

Objective 4

To promote cultural understanding and awareness, through the curriculum, valuing and celebrating various cultures and religious beliefs amongst different ethnic groups.