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 2020/21

To ensure that staff and governors are aware of current legislation surrounding equality and diversity and understand the school’s responsibility.
To promote cultural understanding and awareness and tolerance of different religious beliefs between different ethnic groups within our school community.
To 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 support so that they understand and respect other people's views and beliefs.
To continue to develop positive social behaviours that enable all to feel included and safe.
To continuously review and revise the curriculum so that it represents a diverse culture and society and encourages tolerance and respect.
To ensure all our stakeholders understand our inclusive ethos both for our local and wider community.

For further information, please see the LAT Single Equality Scheme, Equalities Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The Cedars recognises 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

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:

Resilience
Reciprocity
Reflectiveness
Resourcefulness

Equality Objectives 2021-22

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	January 22
	Governor meeting	March 22
Increased understanding of the need for positive affirmation of LGBTQ+ staff and students	Staff training day Governor meeting	January 22 March 22
Celebrating diversity events together	World Mental Health Day Black History Month (student led) International Human Rights Day LGBTQ+ History Month International Women’s Day Autism Awareness Month Eid Pride Month	October21 October 21 December 21 February 22 March 22 April May June 22
Staff and students use appropriate pronouns to support wellbeing	Staff training day Staff bulletin info– provided by students Trust Diversity newsletter	January 22 December 21 December 21
	PSHE including gatherings, Tutor Time. Consistent use of behaviour policy to educate / sanction	Ongoing
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	Ongoing
Diverse cultures are valued and understood	Global learning supports student understanding of the complex backgrounds of refugees, Ukraine, Afghanistan	Ongoing
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	PSHE including gatherings, Tutor Time	Ongoing
Curriculum celebrates diversity and supports an understanding of equality issues	Trust and college work to review	Ongoing
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 day	Ongoing Termly January 22
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	October 21 and ongoing

Equality Objectives outcomes 2020-21

Objective		Action	Date
Increased awareness of mental health	High priority within PSHE as students manage covid restrictions		Students are more supportive and understanding of those with mental health and manage their own mental health concerns more effectively
Students are more understanding of diversity and value difference	Year 11 diversity week including talks by Shaun Dellenty & Jeffrey Boakye PSHE including gatherings, Tutor Time		Increased understanding of selves and each other
LGBTQ+ diversity is celebrated	Installation of new corridor display		Explicit affirmation of LGBTQ+ characteristics supports student wellbeing
Celebrating diversity events together	World Mental Health Day Black History Month International Human Rights Day LGBTQ+ History Month Eid Pride Month		Students’ understanding, compassion & affirmation increased
Students’ understanding of the complex background of global events is enhanced	Gathering and Tutor Time relating to Palestine following the attack on Al Aqsa Mosque		Staff and students have an increased understanding of the global situation, and the anxieties of their peers in relation to this.
The Cedars is visually represented as a community which includes and values diversity at all levels	Increased use of diverse visuals on school websites, in recruitment materials, in school displays		Staff and students increasingly see themselves as included and valued. Staff are increasingly recognising the opportunity for progression to all levels in the organisation.

For further information, please see the

Equalities Act 2010

Public Sector Equality Duty