Equality Objectives
We recognise that the public sector equality duty has three aims and they are to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct under the Act.
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
- Foster good relations between people who have a shared characteristic and those who do not.
Cedars Academy will annually review how well we achieve these aims with regard to the protected groups under the Equality Act (2010) (race, disability, gender, gender re-assignment, age, pregnancy and maternity, marital status, religion and belief and sexual orientation).
We aim to provide the highest possible education for all of our pupils. The ethos of our school clearly reflects our commitment to fully including and respecting all members of our school community.
We have set ourselves the following objectives for 2023/24
- Appoint Culture and Diversity Champion
- Ensure staff and governors are aware of current legislation surrounding equality and diversity and understand the school’s responsibility
- Promote cultural understanding and awareness and tolerance of different religious beliefs between different ethnic groups within our school community
- Promote mental health awareness and develop appropriate interventions where necessary
- Actively close gaps in attainment and achievement between pupils for all groups of pupils; especially pupils eligible for Pupil Premium, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, looked after children and pupils from minority ethnic groups
- Continue to improve accessibility across the school site for pupils, staff and visitors with disabilities, including access to specialist teaching areas
- Monitor the incidences of the use of homophobic, sexist and racist language by pupils in our school. If such incidences arise educate young people through our curriculum and through additional interventions to support them so they understand and respect other people's views and beliefs
- Continue to develop positive social behaviours enabling all to feel included and safe
- Continuously review and revise the curriculum so it represents a diverse culture and society, and encourages tolerance and respect
- Ensure all our stakeholders understand our inclusive ethos both for our local and wider community
The Cedars is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive, caring and supportive environment, which is committed to the promotion of genuine equal opportunities for all. We recognise that every member of The Cedars is regarded as of equal worth and importance, irrespective of their faith, culture, class, race, gender, sexuality and/or disability. The Equal Opportunities, Equality and Diversity statement builds on the core values of the Academy:
- Being kind
- Working hard
- Taking responsibility
Equality Objectives outcomes 2022-23
|
Objective |
Action |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Staff & governors more fully understand the Equality Duty and the college’s responsibility |
Staff training day including guest speakers, student speakers, group discussions, department pledges |
Staff and governors cognisant of responsibilities of public bodies |
|
Governor meeting |
As above |
|
|
Increased understanding of the need for positive affirmation of LGBTQ+ staff and students |
Staff training day Governor meeting - update on work 2022 |
Increased understanding and confidence in staff body around issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community |
|
Celebrating diversity events together |
World Mental Health Day Black History Month (student led) and other integrated events throughout the year. International Human Rights Day LGBTQ+ History Month and working towards the rainbow flag award 2023-2024 International Women’s Day Autism Awareness Month Eid Pride Festival |
Pupils and staff with protected characteristics feel seen, welcome and valued |
|
Staff and students use appropriate pronouns to support wellbeing |
Staff training day Staff bulletin info– provided by students Trust Diversity newsletter |
Increased understanding and confidence in staff body around issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community
Staff with protected characteristics feel more valued |
|
PSHE including gatherings, Tutor Time. Consistent use of behaviour policy to educate / sanction |
Increased understanding and confidence in staff body around issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community
Pupils with protected characteristics feel more valued |
|
|
Reducing sexist and LGBTQ+-phobic language & encouraging students to be upstanding |
PSHE including assemblies, Tutor Time, posters Consistent use of behaviour policy to educate / sanction |
Reports of sexist and LGBTQ+phobic language have reduced |
|
Diverse cultures are valued and understood |
Global learning supports student understanding of the complex backgrounds of refugees, Ukraine, Afghanistan |
Global Issues programme delivered: Palestine Peaceful Protest Refugees Ukraine |
|
Closing the academic gaps for SEND, Pupil Premium, Looked After Children and other vulnerable groups |
Wide range of actions – see Development Plan |
Ongoing |
|
Increasing the understanding of mental health |
PDC including assemblies, Tutor Time |
Ongoing |
|
Curriculum celebrates diversity and supports an understanding of equality issues |
Trust and academy work to review |
Improved diversity observed in texts in English, Historical figures and Scientific figures studied in KS3 curriculum |
|
Raised awareness and understanding for staff of barriers for colleagues who come from ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, disability or working-class backgrounds - and the gifts which these characteristics bring to our community |
Diversity Research Group, sharing learning Diversity newsletter Staff training continuing |
Ongoing |
|
Staff with protected characteristics are supported to identify barriers to progression and enabled to overcome these |
Performance management focus on barriers (practical and perceived) to progression |
Ongoing |
For further information, please see the