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

Equalities Act 2010
Public Sector Equality Duty