At Our Lady of Lourdes RCPS, we are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all children, staff, parents and carers, irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, religion or socio-economic background. We welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010.

Our legal duties with regard to equality are:

• Eliminating discrimination
• Fostering good relationships
• Advancing equality of opportunity

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any staff member, pupil, prospective pupil, or other member of the school community because of their:

• sex
• age
• race
• disability
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
• gender reassignment
• pregnancy or maternity
• marriage or civil partnership

Other groups of pupils we believe it is also important to consider are:

• Looked after children / previously looked after children
• Young carers
• pupils eligible for free school meals or living in poverty

We aim to promote pupil's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity, and eradicating prejudicial incidents for pupils and staff. Our school is committed to not only eliminating discrimination, but also increasing understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Aims to eradicate discrimination

We believe that every individual is made in the image and likeness of God. We believe that every individual is unique and has special gifts and talents. We aim to create an inclusive and prejudice-free environment where individuals feel confident and safe in our school. The environment will be achieved by:

• being respectful
• always treating all members of the school family fairly
• developing an understanding of diversity and inclusion and the benefits it can have
• adopting an inclusive attitude and ensuring that the whole school community understands what inclusive behaviour looks like in the school and how this aligns with the school's values
• adopting an inclusive curriculum that is accessible for all
• encouraging compassion and open-mindedness
• challenging bias

Dealing with prejudice and celebrating diversity

At Our Lady of Lourdes, we do not tolerate any form of prejudice-related incident. Whether direct or in-direct, we treat discrimination against all members of our school family with the utmost severity. When an incident is reported, our school is devoted to ensuring appropriate action is taken and a resolution is put into place which is both fair and firm.

Our children are taught to be:

• understanding of others
• celebratory of diversity
• eager to reach their full potential
• inclusive, accepting, understanding of other's differences and diversity
• aware of what constitutes discriminatory behaviour

School staff will not:

• discriminate against any member of the school community
• treat other members of the school community unfairly

School staff will:

• promote diversity and equality
• encourage and adopt an inclusive attitude
• lead by example
• seek training if they need their knowledge developing

Our curriculum is mapped out to include opportunities to celebrate diversity. Planning and resources are progressive and sequential. Enrichment activities such as assemblies, awareness days and speakers, enhance our curriculum and celebrate diversity.