SINGLE EQUALITY SCHEME

The Equality Act 2010 introduced a single Public Sector Equality Duty that applies to public bodies, including maintained schools and Academies, and extends to certain protected characteristics. This combined equality duty came into effect in April 2011. It has three main elements. In carrying out their functions, public bodies are required to have due regard to the need to:

• eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act;
• advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it;
• foster good relations across all characteristics - between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of their protected characteristics, which are:

• age;
• gender reassignment;
• being married or in a civil partnership;
• being pregnant or on materity leave;
• disability
• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin;
• religion or belief;
• sex;
• sexual orientation.

Our Equality Objectives for 2023-26 are:

• To be an adoption friendly school - following the guidelines.
• To narrow any gaps in the performance and attainment of groups of pupils, e.g. boys and girls, children with English as an additional language (EAL), children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged children.
• To train our staff and teach our children about protected characteristics so they understand and show respect for those who share the protected characteristics.
• To ensure the emotional wellbeing of our children and staff is an intrinsic element of the education and curriculum offered at St Anthony's so that everyone is able to aspire to be the most awesome versions of themselves.

St Anthony's is aware of the requirements of the Equality Act and will comply with non-discrimination provisions.