Protected Characteristics
We believe that ANY young person from ANY background deserves an EQUAL chance to be successful in whatever they choose to do. We believe that children should be aware of the protected characteristics and show respect to those who share the protected characteristics.
There are 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and all schools should be able to demonstrate that no form of discrimination is tolerated and respect is shown to everyone.
The 9 Protected Characteristics are
The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in OUR school through:
- Our school ethos and 5Rs approach
- Our behaviour policy and curriculum
- Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community
- Active engagement and communication with parents and carers
- Religious and class assemblies
- Promotion of British Values across the school community
- Discussion within curriculum subjects
- Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) sessions
- Religious Education (RE) lessons, RSE lessons
- Sporting competitions, festivals and opportunities
- Art and Cultural activities
- Pupil Voice e.g. School Parliament, Play and Sports Leaders, Wellbeing and Mental Health Leads
- Educational visits
- Guest speakers and visitors from the wider community
- Developing links with the local communities
- Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs, and work within the local community
- Books and learning resources within school., including our book spine
We firmly believe that embedding Protected Characteristics into the whole school ethos at Thameside Primary School promotes:
- Self-esteem, self-knowledge and self-confidence of everyone in our school community
- Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process will be raised
- Acceptance of responsibility for their own behaviour
- Respect for their own and other cultures
- Understanding of how people can contribute positively to school and home life and to the lives of those living and working in the local community and beyond
- 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 of all
- 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 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
At Thameside Primary School we believe that everyone is valued, respected and welcome to thrive within our community.