Equality and Accessibility

We recognise that the public sector equality duty has three aims and they are to:

1. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct under the Act.
2. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
3. Foster good relations between people who have a shared characteristic and those who do not

Staindrop Academy will annually review how well we achieve these aims with regard to the protected groups under the Equality Act (race, disability, gender, gender re-assignment, age, pregnancy and maternity, marital status, religion and belief and sexual orientation.)

We aim to provide the educational excellence for all of our students. Our school ethos clearly reflects our commitment to fully including and respecting all members of our school community.

The Trust have agreed the following equality objectives:

• To ensure that all Trustees, Governors and staff are aware of current legislation surrounding equality and diversity and understand the responsibilities of the Trust.
• To promote cultural understanding and awareness and tolerance of different religious beliefs between different ethnic groups within our academy communities.
• To promote mental health awareness and develop appropriate interventions where necessary.
• Actively close gaps in attainment and achievement between students for all groups of students; especially students eligible for Pupil Premium, students with special educational needs and disabilities, looked after children and students from minority ethnic groups.
• Continue to improve accessibility across the academy sites for students, staff and visitors with disabilities, including access to specialist teaching areas.
• Monitor the incidence of the use of homophobic, sexist and racist language by students in our academies.
• To continuously review and revise the Early Years-4 curriculum so that it represents a diverse culture and society and encourages tolerance and respect.

Staindrop will also:

• To continue to provide a school environment that welcomes, protects and respects diversity.
• To ensure that all students are given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the life of the Academy, particularly focusing on leadership opportunities for all students.

More information can be found in our Equality and Diversity policy on our policies and procedures page.

Accessibility

Accessibility

“All schools have duties under the Equality Act 2010 towards individual disabled children and young people. They must make reasonable adjustments to prevent them being put at a substantial disadvantage. Schools also have wider duties to prevent discrimination, to promote equality of opportunity and to foster good relations.” (Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years. June 2014)

Staindrop Academy is an inclusive school and actively seeks to promote the inclusion of students with SEND. We use our best endeavours to ensure that all students with SEN and disabilities are able to fully participate in the life of the school, both in their learning and in the wider provision and life of the school. Adaptations and provisions are made for students with SEN and/or disabilities to enable them to participate in all school trips and other out of class activities. This includes wheelchair access and disabled toilets. Please see our accessibility plan on the policies and procedures page.

Students with SEND are actively encouraged, supported and given opportunities to become involved with extra-curricular activities. For example, current students with SEND have been involved with the following: lunchtime and break time clubs, homework club, sports clubs, and live performance events. SEND students have also participated in student panels for new members of staff, Year 6 transition support and in the annual school production.