Equality and Protected Characteristics
The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Everyone in Britain is protected. This is because the Equality Act protects people against discrimination because of the protected characteristics that we all have. Under the Equality Act, there are nine Protected Characteristics:
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Race
Religion or belief
Marriage or civil partnership
Sex
Sexual orientation
Pregnancy and maternity
Under the Equality Act you are protected from discrimination:
When you are in the workplace
When you use public services like healthcare (for example, visiting your doctor or local hospital) or education (for example, at your school or college)
When you use businesses and other organisations that provide services and goods (like shops, restaurants, and cinemas)
When you use transport
When you join a club or association (for example, your local rugby club)
When you have contact with public bodies like your local council or government departments
The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in school through:
Our school vision, SIP, and SEF
Our 12 school core values
Our Journey Curriculum
Our Journey Drivers
Our school’s Behaviour Policy including The St James Way
Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community
Active engagement and communication with parents and carers
Celebration Worship, Days and Weeks
British Values, SMSC and Equality and Diversity throughout our curriculum design
The active participation of the School Council
Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (St James Spirit) sessions - including the use MyHappyMind Plus and No Outsiders schemes
Religious Education (RE) lessons, RSE lessons
Sporting, Art and Cultural Events
Enrichment Opportunities e.g. ‘Diwali Worskhops’, ‘Safety Week’ etc
Pupil Voice and Staff Voice
Our Golden Shell Experiences
Real-life learning outside the classroom
Developing links with local communities
Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs and charity work
Embedding Protected Characteristics into the whole ethos of St James CE Primary School supports our pupils to grow in:
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 wellbeing and safety
An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law
An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
An understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination
No Outsiders - 'All Different. All Welcome'
No Outsiders is a program designed to promote inclusion, equality, and diversity in schools. It equips children with the skills to recognise and embrace differences, fostering a sense of community where everyone feels welcome. By teaching about acceptance and respect through age-appropriate resources, such as books and activities, the program helps prepare children for life in a diverse world.
At St James CE Primary School, we are proud to have adopted the No Outsiders program as part of our commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. This program will be delivered through our St James Spirit curriculum and integrated into our assembly program to reinforce its key messages. More on this can be found under the Curriculum page on the website.
Our Equality Charter - created by the School Council
