The school is dedicated to the commitment of the staff and Governors to promote equality and to fulfil our responsibilities under the Equalities Duty. This involves tackling the barriers which could lead to unequal outcomes so that there is equality of access and the diversity within the school community is celebrated and valued.

What is the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)?

The PSED was introduced by the Equality Act 2010 and applies to all schools, including maintained and independent schools, academies, maintained nursery schools, and maintained and non-maintained special schools.

The PSED has 3 main elements

These are:

• Eliminating discrimination and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
• Advancing equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
• Fostering good relations across all characteristics – between people who do share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it

At Butterwick CE Primary School, equality is a key principle for treating all people the same irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, disability, religious beliefs/faith tradition, sexual orientation, age or any other of the protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010).

This enables us to:

1. Remove or minimise disadvantages

2. Take steps to meet different needs

3. Encourage participation when it is disproportionately low

What are protected characteristics?

It is unlawful for a school to discriminate against a pupil/ prospective pupil or staff member by treating them less favourably because of their: