Equality Policy and Action Plan

St John’s (CE) Primary Academy is committed to fostering an environment in which every pupil, staff member, and visitor is treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and are dedicated to promoting equality through all opportunities, ensuring that all members of our school community can thrive regardless of their background, personal circumstances or protected characteristics. Seeking to provide a positive learning and working environment, free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation.

The school recognises its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations among all members of our community.

Further information can be found in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which can be found in the Polices Section of the website.

Equality Objectives

1) Raise awareness of Protected Characteristics and British Values via exposure to a range of literature.

This objective has been chosen as our current texts in the academy need consistently updating as they cover very few cultures, thus limiting exposure and teaching and learning opportunities for our pupils.

To achieve this objective, we plan to:

• Continually update and review our curriculum and reading plans linked to texts reflecting diversity;

Progress we are making towards this objective:

• We have already started to review our core texts and research quality texts that would meet the given criteria.
• Pupils and staff are able to talk with more confidence and understanding about protected characteristics and British Values.

2) Raise awareness of other faiths through worships, visits from faith leaders or funded visits to places of worship.

This objective has been chosen this objective as following the school’s internal review of the school’s RE scheme of work we would like to ensure that our pupils are exposed to a range of different faiths.

To achieve this objective, we plan to:

• Invite different faith leaders in to school for worships/lessons;
• Plan for each phase to visit a place of worship;
• RE/Collective leader to lead worships on a variety of religious festivals and celebrations.

Progress we are making towards this objective:

•  We have planned for the RE and collective worship leader to organise/arrange whole school assemblies across the academic year on different faiths and religious celebrations.
• The leader will also plan visits from faither leaders to link with our curriculum and to enhance understanding of Protected characteristics.

3) To create a school-wide culture of inclusion, and equality by ensuring that all pupils develop a clear understanding of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, while also recognising and valuing the experiences of those who may not be legally protected but still face disadvantage.

This objective has been chosen in light of the Equality Act 2010 (amendment 2024), along with pupil and staff voice to further train and embed inclusive practices across the curriculum and school life.

To achieve this objective, we plan to:

For Pupils:

• Deliver age-appropriate lessons, stories, and discussions that explore the nine protected characteristics.
• Encourage pupils to reflect on fairness, identity, and difference, including the experiences of those who may not have protected status but still experience exclusion.
• Promote kindness, empathy, and allyship through assemblies, peer activities, and pupil voice initiatives.

For Staff:

• Provide regular training on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), including legal duties under the Equality Act and strategies for inclusive teaching.
• Equip staff to recognise unconscious bias and respond to discriminatory behaviour or language with confidence and consistency.
• Support staff in auditing and adapting curriculum content and resources to reflect diverse identities and experiences.