Promoting the Protected Characteristics at St. Anne's Catholic Primary School

As a Catholic school, we firmly believe that we are all equal in the eyes of God, that we are all unique individuals, and all loved by God unconditionally. Our children are taught about mutual respect for all, and tolerance of difference through:

• Mission Statement

 . Gospel Values

• Virtues

• Fundamental British Values

• Curriculum RE 

• RSHE (Ten Ten)

• PSHE

• Worship & Liturgies

All of the above are woven into our curriculum and the Catholic life that permeates throughout our school community.

PROMOTING THE NINE PROTECTED CHARACTERISITICS

The Equality Act became law in 2010. It applies to everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Under this Act, there are nine Protected Characteristics:

1. Age

2. Disability

3. Gender reassignment

4. Race

5. Religion or belief

6. Marriage or civil partnership

7. Sex

8. Sexual orientation

9. Pregnancy and maternity

Under the Equality Act you are protected from discrimination:

• When you are in the workplace

• When you use public services like healthcare (for example, visiting your doctor or local hospital) or education (for example, at your school or college)

• When you use businesses and other organisations that provide services and goods (like shops, restaurants, and cinemas)

• When you use transport

• When you join a club or association (for example, your local football or swimming club)

• When you have contact with public bodies like your local council or government departments

The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in school through:

• Our school Mission statement Each One of us is Unique, each one of us is Special

• Our school core values

• Our school Behaviour Policy

• Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community

• Active engagement and communication with parents and carers

• Worship/Liturgies/Assemblies

• Fundamental British Values

• Discussion within curriculum subjects, particularly RSHE, Curriculum RE and PSHE

• Sporting, Art and Cultural Events

• Pupil Voice – Student Council

• Educational visits

• Guest speakers

• Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs, charity work and work within the local community

Embedding Protected Characteristics into the whole ethos of Saint Anne's promotes:

• Self-esteem, self-knowledge and self-confidence

• Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process

• An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

• Acceptance of responsibility for their own behaviour

•Respect for their own and other cultures

• Understanding of how they can contribute positively to school and home life and to the lives of those living and working in the locality and further afield

• An understanding of Equality and Human Rights

• An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety

• An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law

• An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour

• An understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination

The teaching is woven through our curriculum and the Catholic ethos that permeates throughout our  school community,

Everything we do at Saint Anne's is underpinned by our Mission Statement

Each one of us is Unique

Each one of us is Special