Equality & Protected Characteristics

Equality and Protected Characteristics
 

At the Meadows School we are proud of our inclusive ethos. We believe that all individuals- students, staff, families, and the wider community should be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination and fostering good relations across all areas of school life this includes active recognition and support of the nine protected characteristics, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.


What are the protected characteristics?

The Equality Act 2010 identifies nine characteristics that are protected by the law. These are:

  1. Age
  2. Disability
  3. Gender reassignment
  4. Marriage and Civil partnership
  5. Pregnancy and Maternity
  6. Race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin)
  7. Religion or belief
  8. Sex (gender)
  9. Sexual orientation

We ensure that no individual or group is discriminated against or treated less favourably because of these characteristics.


How we promote and protect equality in our setting:

We recognise that many of our learners face complex and overlapping barriers. Our commitment to equity includes proactive and embedded strategies to meet every learner’s individual needs and safeguard their rights.

  1. Inclusive Curriculum and Teaching
  • Our Curriculum promotes awareness of diversity, mutual respect and understanding.
  • We provide age and stage-appropriate and sensitive learning materials to explore themes of identity, difference, fairness, positive relationships and justice.
  • Learners are taught about rights and respect using appropriate resources (e.g., visual symbols, social stories, sensory-friendly environments).

 

  1. Personal Development and Social Understanding

 

  • We nurture students’ understanding of their own identity and help them recognise, celebrate and respect difference.
  • Our pastoral approach includes emotional literacy, RSHE education and values-based learning tailored to cognitive levels.
  • Staff model inclusive behaviour and language, reinforcing positive attitudes.

 

  1. Accessible policies and practices
  • All policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they do not disadvantage any groups
  • Reasonable adjustments are made to ensure students can fully access learning and social life.
  • Visitors, staff and governors are expected to uphold our inclusive values.

 

  1. Training and Staff Development

 

  • All staff receive training on equalities and safeguarding.

 

  1. Safe reporting and support systems
  • We actively monitor and address any incidents of discriminatory behaviour or language.
  • Our safeguarding and wellbeing teams are trained to support learners as per needs.
  • Learners are taught who safe adults are and ways to express concern and support is provided to families when needed.


We routinely analyse school data (e.g., behaviour, progress, attendance, participation in activities) to ensure optimal outcomes for all learners. Our Equality Objectives are reviewed annually.