The Equality Act at Hargate Primary School Specific Duties in relation to schools (Hargate Primary School) Publish information which shows Hargate s due regard for equalities, as defined by the Act Publishing equality objectives as defined by the School Improvement Plan. The Equality Act, at Hargate Primary School, and the identified accessibility actions have been presented to Governors for approval. Parents have been made aware of the schools duties and planning through the school newsletter. Complying with the Equality Duty through; Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act; Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it. OUR SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY Our school s ethos is that everyone, Children, Parents / Carers, Governors and Staff, have a part to play in raising standards and developing our inclusive provision. We aim to provide a secure, caring and friendly environment where everyone feels happy and safe. We pride ourselves on being sensitive to the needs of every child irrespective of gender, ethnicity or ability. All children have equal access to the resources and opportunities available in school and all contributions are equally valued. We encourage parents / carers to take an active part in their child s education and join with us as partners. The school seeks to be part of the local community and to make good use of the local environment. Hargate Primary School is committed to upholding the principles of the Equality Act The protected characteristics covered by the Equality Duty are: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage and civil partnership (but only in respect of eliminating unlawful discrimination) Pregnancy and maternity Race this includes ethnic or national origins, colour or nationality Religion or belief this includes lack of belief 1
Sex Sexual orientation Source ; EQUALITY ACT 2010: SPECIFIC DUTIES TO SUPPORT THE EQUALITY DUTY WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? A QUICK START GUIDE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS School Context; Raise on Line 2
Information indicating how Hargate Primary School collates and acts upon data with regard to equalities. Data about the school population and differences of outcome 1. The school has data on its composition broken down by year group, ethnicity and gender. 2. The school has data on its composition broken down by types of impairment and special educational need. 3. The school has data on inequalities of outcome and participation connected with ethnicity, gender and disability. 4. The school uses data on inequalities of outcome and involvement when setting itself objectives for achievable and measurable improvements. (See Outcomes of pupil progress/ focus meetings, target setting, School development plan, Raise on line, SEN analyses, School Pupil Trackers ) Documentation and record-keeping 5. There are statements of the school s responsibilities under the Equality Act in various school documents; school improvement plan, self-evaluation papers, prospectus. 6. There are references to the school s responsibilities under the Equality Act in the minutes of governors meetings, staff meetings and senior leadership team meetings.. 7. A senior member of staff has special responsibility for equalities matters. 8. Governors are aware of the schools commitment to equality; Louise White Bates is the named Governor responsible for the Equality Act Staffing 9. There is good equal opportunities practice in the recruitment and promotion of staff, both teaching and administrative. Behaviour and safety 10. There are clear procedures for dealing with prejudice-related bullying and incidents. 11. Surveys and focus groups show that pupils feel safe from all kinds of bullying ( The school s work to promote pupils development and welfare is outstanding see OFSTED report March 2017, LA exclusion report - there have been no exclusions within the past 3 years) 3
Curriculum 12. Focused attention is paid to the needs of specific groups of pupils, plans are linked to children s individual needs. (The school promotes equality of opportunity and challenges children s learning this is monitored and actioned at half termly pupil focus meetings, where individual children s needs are identified, and planned for through the school provision map) 13. There is coverage in the curriculum of equalities issues, particularly with regard to tackling prejudice and promoting community cohesion and mutual understanding. (PHSE, RE & SEAL) 14. There are activities across the curriculum that promote pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. (including where appropriate off site visits to a variety of places of worship) 15. Soundfield and FM systems are used to meet the needs of our hearing impaired children (see audiology protocol) Consultation and involvement 16. The school has procedures for consulting and involving parents and carers, and for engaging with local groups and organisations. (see results of annual parental / staff questionnaire) 17.The school has procedures for finding out how pupils think and feel about the school, children are encouraged to say what they like and dislike about their school this may be through; elected school council representatives, ecology representatives, worry box concerns additionally the children are actively encouraged through open door policies to speak to members of staff. This is a great school, and, It is really good fun and we learn so much, were just two of the comments made by pupils to inspectors. Pupils have excellent opportunities to influence the work of the school. The learning buddies, school councillors, play leaders and librarians all contribute to the running of the school. Pupils told an inspector that they had only arrived at the school recently and were given a buddy to help them settle into school, helping them if necessary to speak English as some pupils are newly arrived from abroad. OFSTED March 2017 4
Hargate Primary Schools Objectives These are linked to the current School Development Plan which has been ratified by Governors. Priority 1 To further develop and ensure the learning experience for all children regardless of ability or physical disability is met and that all reasonable adjustments to fulfil their experiences are met. In addition to priority 1, which is in accordance with the Equality Act the school also aims to improve the experiences of all stakeholders through; Aim of the Objectives to improve the school experience of all learners attending Hargate Primary School. Eliminate unlawful discrimination All children regardless of academic ability, physical disability or financial constraints will have opportunity to attend a school visit. All children, from identified year groups, to access swimming instruction regardless of academic ability or physical dis ability. All children have equal access to participate in extra curricula activities. Advance equality of opportunity Ensure national standards are exceeded for all groups Key Stage 2 in Reading Standards of presentation is enhanced for all learners Planning and work is challenging with the highest ability levels being stretched. Gap tasks provide challenge for all learners Pupil progress / focus meetings will identify individual needs of learners and appropriate interventions will be implemented. Foster good relations Develop parental engagement across the school for all learners Encourage links with different faith communities through Sandwell RE Agreed Syllabus. Develop links with other schools for, academic moderation, shared resources and sports fixtures. Admission for children with disabilities The local authority manages the schools admissions, see LA policy. The school does not discriminate against any child, who has a disability but actively seeks to work with all professionals to ensure reasonable adjustments can be made to ensure a smooth transition to our school. All children have equal access to the resources and opportunities available in school All children regardless of Identified Actions to Improve Accessibility & Communication of all Stakeholders 2013 2016 (three year resourcing plan) Action To be Cost Persons Responsible Completed by Nose all steps with contrasting colour paint. Spring 2013 200 Governors Premises Provide dropped kerbs from the Spring 2014 This will be addressed as part Governors Premises 5
driveway path to the main school building. Provide all families with an individual log in to access the schools ICT learning platform Ensure all written information for children is fully accessible Gap task work language is appropriately differentiated Fonts are clear and follow guidance from the VI team Background colours for the interactive whiteboard ensure accessibility of all children (including VI) Provision to be made for the existing school site to be redeveloped to become a two form entry primary school. Summer 2014 Spring 2103 Aut 2013 Aut 2014 of the schools refurbishment/extension 1 x supply day to liaise with technician 180 Interserve DB Technician All teaching staff LA The building plans will ensure that all building/dda regulations are met, including the incorporation of a new medical room. All steps to have colour contrasting noses & top steps to have corduroy paving 2012-2013 This will be addressed as part of the schools refurbishment/extension Governors Premises Senior Management Interserve Narrow gates access main entrance of the school 2012-2015 Governors Premises Monitor the effectiveness of communication with all stakeholders Spring 2016 Senior Management The current gate complies with current regulation being over 1000mm wide. However school will monitor pupil/parent traffic flow as the school expands DHT Awaiting Local Authority Accessibility Survey See below for school identified areas for development 6
Identified Actions to Improve Accessibility & Communication of all Stakeholders 2016 2019 (three year resourcing plan) Action Provide blinds to the new part of the school building to meet the needs of all learners especially Visually Impaired Children. Provide air conditioning to the new part of the school (Awaiting further instruction from the LA) Provide an easy access community room to support parents and school based interventions Provide a barrier to the drive to ensure safety of pedestrians Re develop the school entrance, move school offices, to be compliant with building regulations and accessibility plan To further develop communication with parents/cares provide a texting services for announcements Provide an electronic signing in system for staff and visitors to ensure the safety of all stakeholders To be Completed by Cost Persons Responsible Spring 2016 1500 Governors Premises Summer 2016 4500 Governors Premises Summer 2017 10000 Governors Premises Autumn 2016 9000 Governors Premises Summer 2018 15000 Governors Premises Autumn 2016 1000 School Business manager Autumn 2017 1500 School Business manager Review June 2018 Reviewed June 2013, March 2014, June 2015, June 2016, June 2017 7