Equality Statement

At St Barnabas, we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity in line with the Equality Act 2021, for all pupils, staff, parents and carers irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background. We are determined to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in school life. We endeavour to make a positive contribution to society by demonstrating qualities such as respect, co-operation and valuing differences while celebrating cultural diversity, in school and in the wider community. 

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 St Barnabas Primary School, we believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us. We believe that equality is at the heart of good educational practice. All are of equal value and deserve equal access to every aspect of school life. They have equality to learn and work towards their highest possible levels of achievement. The vision and values, which we uphold as a school, help to emphasise equality for all staff and pupils at all times.

At St Barnabas Primary School, we believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in school life. We aim to ensure that every member of the school community is given equality to achieve their full potential – each individual is entitled to work in a supportive environment. In order to achieve this we are committed to:

•  equal access and treatment for all
•  being responsive to changing needs
•  educating and informing children and parents about the issues in this policy
•  avoiding prejudice
•  promoting a positive self-image and mutual respect, regardless of differences
•  providing for all, according to their needs
•  ensuring that equality of opportunity permeates the whole curriculum and ethos of the school
•  using resources and examples which provide a positive image of all groups
•  acknowledging the richness and diversity of British society and to prepare children for their part in this
•  working to an agreed code of conduct which can be modified, monitored and evaluated according to current best practice
•  developing a positive attitude to equality by all staff, children, parents, governors and all who participate in the life of the school We recognise that discrimination can be overt or covert. Covert discrimination relates to the assumptions, beliefs and values acquired over a long period of time, which affects instinctive responses. 

Following these every day, helps us to eliminate discrimination within our school.

We strive to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment , victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
• 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