Essay about The Policy on Equal Opportunities

Submitted By Bilu1983
Words: 1629
Pages: 7

Ullesthorpe C of E Primary School

Policy on Equal Opportunities

(see also Disability Discrimination; English as an Additional Language (EAL); Gifted and Talented Children; Racial Equality; Special Educational Needs)
April 2010

‘We care and cater for the individual child’

1 Introduction

1.1 Our school's mission statement talks of valuing the individuality of all of our children. We are committed to giving all our children every opportunity to achieve the highest of standards. We do this by taking account of pupils' varied experiences and needs. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, and have high expectations of all children. The achievements, attitudes and well-being of all our children matter. This policy is intended to help to ensure that this school promotes the individuality of all children, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, attainment, age, disability, gender or background.

1.2 This policy accords with legislation:

• Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000; • Disability Discrimination (Amendment) Acts 2002 and 2005; • Sex Discrimination Act 1975.

2 Aims and objectives

2.1 We do not discriminate against anyone, be they staff or pupil or parent, on the grounds of ethnicity, religion, attainment, age, disability, gender or background.

2.2 We promote the principle of fairness and justice for all through the education that we provide in our school. We recognise that doing this may entail treating some pupils differently.

2.3 We seek to ensure that all pupils have equal access to the full range of educational opportunities provided by the school.

2.4 We constantly strive to remove any forms of indirect discrimination that may form barriers to learning for some groups.

2.5 We ensure that all recruitment, employment, promotion and training systems are fair to all, and provide opportunities for everyone.

2.6 We challenge personal prejudice and stereotypical views whenever they occur.

2.7 We value each pupil's worth, we celebrate the individuality and cultural diversity of the community centred on our school, and we show respect for all minority groups.

2.8 We are aware that prejudice and stereotyping are caused by poor self-image and by ignorance. Through positive educational experiences, and support for each individual's legitimate point of view, we aim to promote positive social attitudes, and respect for all.

3 Racial equality

3.1 In our school, we will:

• strive to eliminate all forms of racism and racial discrimination; • promote equality of opportunity; • promote good relations between people of different racial and ethnic groups.

3.2 It is the right of all pupils to receive the best education the school can provide, with access to all educational activities organised by the school. We do not tolerate any forms of racism or racist behaviour. Should a racist incident occur, we will deal with it in accordance with school procedures (see policies for Racial Equality and for Behaviour and Discipline).

3.3 We endeavour to make our school welcoming to all minority groups. Thus, for example, we will immediately remove any offensive graffiti that we may find in school. We promote an understanding of diverse cultures through the topics studied by the children, and we reflect this in the displays of work shown around the school.

3.4 Our curriculum reflects the attitudes, values and respect that we have for minority ethnic groups. So, for example, in the curriculum topic on religious festivals, the children learn the importance of Diwali to Hindus and Sikhs.

4 Disability non-discrimination

4.1 Some children in our school have disabilities. We are committed to meeting the needs of these children, as we are to meeting the needs of all within the school. The school fully meets the requirements of the amended Disability Discrimination Act that came into effect in 2005. All reasonable steps are taken to