Templefields Multi-Academy Trust have agreed the following statement:

Equality Information and Objectives Statement

Introduction

This document sets out how the Trust meets its obligations under the public sector equality duty and what this means for our pupils, parents and the local community. We aim to provide a safe, caring environment that promotes equality and excellence for all; enabling every child to meet their fullest potential in all aspects of their development.

Legislation

This document meets the requirements under the following legislation:

• The Equality Act 2010, which introduced the public sector equality duty and protects people from discrimination
• The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011, which requires schools to publish information to demonstrate how they are complying with the public sector equality duty and to publish equality objectives.

Scope of this statement

Pupils, parents and the wider community are covered in this statement.  Staff, governors and trustees are covered in our various Policies concerned with:

• pupils' progress, attainment and achievement
• pupils' personal development, welfare and well-being
• teaching styles and strategies
• admissions and attendance
• staff recruitment, retention and professional development
• care, guidance and support
• behaviour, discipline and exclusions
• working in partnership with parents, carers and guardians
• working with the wider community

Trust Statement

We are opposed to any direct or indirect discrimination against individuals or groups and are committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity for all regardless of their age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. This applies to all individuals associated with our community.

We understand that the term ‘equality’ does not mean treating everyone the same, but rather giving equal opportunities to all, whilst recognising and celebrating difference and diversity and valuing individuality.  We also recognise the use of positive action if people with a protected characteristic are at a disadvantage, have a particular need or are underrepresented in an activity or type of work.

We welcome our general duty under the Equality Act 2010 by ensuring no one experiences discrimination, harassment or victimisation  of any kind. We seek to tackle this by promoting equality, challenging bullying and stereotypes and creating an environment which champions respect for all. We believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and engage with the trust.

In our commitment to rise the achievement of all our pupils we monitor the achievement and attainment of all pupils by race, gender, disability and socio-economic background. This data is used to support all pupils, raise standards, narrow attainment gaps and ensure inclusive teaching.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Trust Board will:

• Ensure that the equality information as set out in this statement and the equality objectives set out by each school are published and communicated to staff, pupils, parents and the community and that they are reviewed and updated at least once every four years.
• Delegate responsibility for monitoring the achievement of the objectives on a daily basis to the Chief Executive Officer for the Trust and the Headteacher for each school.

The Chief Executive Officer and Headteachers will:

• Promote knowledge and understanding of the equality objectives amongst staff and pupils
• Ensure all staff have regard to this document and work to achieve its objectives
• Monitor success in achieving the objectives
• Take action with regard to any issues and the relevant staff members
• Ensure they are familiar with all relevant legislation and the contents of this document
• Attend appropriate equality and diversity training
• Report to Local Governing Boards or the Trust Board any relevant issues
• Identify any staff training needs and deliver training where appropriate
• Ensure that the school budget supports this policy

Equality Objectives

As set out in the DfE guidance on the Equality Act 2010, each school and its Local Governing Board will set its own appropriate objectives to advance equality of opportunity by:

• Removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people which are connected to a particular characteristic
• Taking steps to meet the particular needs of people who have a particular characteristic
• Encouraging people who have a particular characteristic to participate fully in any activities

In fulfilling this aspect of the duty, each school and its Local Governing Board will:

• Publish attainment data each academic year showing how pupils with different characteristics are performing
• Analyse the data to determine strengths and areas for improvement, set objectives in response and publish this information

The Fawbert and Barnard’s objectives are:

• Objective 1: To improve provision for pupils for who English is an additional language, particularly new and recent arrivals at the early stage of acquisition.
• Objective 2: To actively identify and target specific areas / year groups where underachievement may link to contextual environments and seek to support identified children with appropriate intervention
• Objective 3: To improve outcomes for SEN pupils

 

April 2020