Equality Statement 2023

Newnham Infant and Nursery School is an inclusive school where we focus on the wellbeing and progress of every child and where all members of our school community are of equal worth. We are committed to ensuring equality of provision throughout the school.  Our policies and procedures ensure that there is equality of opportunity for all children.  

We believe that the Equality Act 2010 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 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.

Legal Duties

As a school we welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. The general duties are to:

• eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• advance equality of opportunity
• foster good relations

We understand the principal of the act and the work needed to ensure that those with protected characteristics are not discriminated against and are given equality of opportunity.

A protected characteristic under the act covers the groups listed below:

• age (for employees not for service provision)
• disability
• race
• sex (including issues of transgender)
• gender reassignment
• maternity and pregnancy
• religion and belief
• sexual orientation
• Marriage and Civil Partnership (for employees)

Our Equality Objectives are as follows:

• To promote cultural development and understanding through a rich range of experiences, both in and beyond the school
• To tackle prejudice and promote understanding in relation to people with disabilities
• To ensure that all pupils are given similar opportunities with regards to after-school clubs and activities
• To allow equal access to information for all parents and carers
• To ensure the school environment is as accessible as possible to staff and visitors
• To ensure that all children receive the support they need to access the curriculum.
• To ensure the school is well resourced to support the emotional needs of all pupils

Our Equalities Objectives are evaluated yearly by our Senior Leadership Team and the Governing Board.

We tackle discrimination through the positive promotion of equality, by challenging bullying and stereotypes and by creating an environment which champions respect for all.

 At Newnham Infant and Nursery School, we believe that diversity is a strength which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us.

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. Fostering positive attitudes and relationships
   We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect between groups and communities different from each other.
4. Fostering 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.

 Equality in Teaching and learning

We provide all our pupils with the opportunity to succeed and to reach the highest level of personal achievement.

 We do this by:

• Ensuring equality of access for all pupils and preparing them for life in a diverse society
• Using materials that reflect the diversity of the school, population and local community without stereotyping
• Promoting attitudes and values that challenge any discriminatory behaviour or prejudice
• Providing opportunities for pupils to appreciate their own culture and celebrate the diversity of other cultures
• Seeking to involve all parents in supporting their child’s education
• Utilising teaching approaches appropriate for the whole school population which are inclusive and reflective of our pupils.

Equality in Admissions and Exclusions

Our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, religion, belief, disability and/or socio-economic background.

Equal Opportunities for Staff

All staff appointments and promotions are made on the basis of merit and ability, in compliance with the law. We are keen to ensure that the staffing of the school reflects the diversity of our community.

The school has a full and separate Equality Policy. Please consult this for further details if you wish.