Equality at Archbishop Hutton's

At Archbishop Hutton's VC Primary School, governors and staff are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background in line with the Equality Act 2010. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school, feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in school life. This commitment applies to our work in the classroom, our pupil support systems, our recruitment and retention of staff and our work in the local and wider community.

We believe that the Equality Act provides a framework to support our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality and fostering good relationships between people. It also ensures that we continue to tackle issues of disadvantage and underachievement of different groups.

We believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us. Through our work in the classroom, we will seek to foster within our pupils their own commitment equality by:

• promoting attitudes and values that challenge any discriminatory behaviour or prejudice;
• challenging bullying, prejudice, discrimination, stereotypes and derogatory language;
• developing and understanding of the different forms discrimination can take;
• understanding the impact discrimination can have on others;
• creating an environment which champions respect for all.

As a school we also:

• make sure the school is a safe, secure and stimulating place for everyone;
• ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect;
• ensure equality of access for all pupils and prepare them for life in a diverse society;
• use materials that reflect the diversity of the school, population and local community without stereotyping;
• ensure we have clear procedures for dealing with bullying and incidents;
• provide opportunities for pupils to appreciate their own culture and celebrate the diversity of other cultures;
• seek to involve all parents in supporting their child’s education;
• provide regular opportunities for the school community have opportunities to share their views;
• recognise that people have different needs, and we understand that treating people equally does not always involve treating them all exactly the same;
• recognise that for some pupils extra support is needed to help them to achieve and be successful;
• carefully monitor the progress of vulnerable groups of pupils and put in place strategies within and outside of the class to ensure everyone achieves their best.

We recognise that these duties reflect international human rights standards as expressed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and the Human Rights Act 1998.

Our approach to equality is based on the following key principles: 

1. All learners are of equal value
   This includes those that are disabled, whatever their ethnicity, culture, national origin or national status, whatever their sex and gender identity, whatever their religious or non-religious affiliation or faith background and whatever their sexual orientation.
2. Recognising, respecting and valuing difference and understanding diversity
   We take account of differences and strive to remove barriers and disadvantages which people may face, in relation to disability, ethnicity, sex, religion, belief or faith and sexual orientation. We believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit here. 
3. Buildinging and encouraging positive attitudes and relationships
   We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect between groups and communities different from each other.
4. Providing a shared sense of cohesion and belonging
   We want all members of our school community to feel a sense of belonging within the school and wider community and to feel that they are respected and able to participate fully in school life.
5. Observing good equalities practice for our staff
   We ensure that policies and procedures benefit all employees and potential employees in all aspects of their work, including in recruitment and promotion, and in continuing professional development. 
6. Having the highest expectations of all our children
   We expect that all pupils can make good progress and achieve to their highest potential
7. Working to raise standards for all pupils, but especially for the most vulnerable
   We believe that improving the quality of education for the most vulnerable groups of pupils raises standards across the whole school.

As a school we work to ensure that the cross-curricular dimension of equal opportunity permeates all of the life and work of the school. We recognise that a child’s self perception can be influenced by his/her environment and so we aim to enhance our children’s self-esteem and self-confidence by positively working to reduce any bias or stereotyping and promote equality of opportunity.

For detail on the area of Equal Opportunities at Archbishop Hutton's please read the Equality Policy document below. 

Files to Download