Objective

How we will do this?

Equality Objective 1

We will be a fair and equitable organisation.

• We will take a whole school approach to delivering the plan with an identified lead within the school.
• We will set key equality milestones which will be regularly monitored.
• All key decisions made will have due regards to the Equality Act (2010).
• We will provide progress updates and share good practice examples with the Education Directorate/ Policy & Partnerships team to contribute to the Council’s Strategic Equality Plan 2024-28 Annual Report.

Equality Objective 2

We will be a workplace that champions diversity and inclusion.

• We will ensure recruitment & selection policies outlined by Blaenau Gwent Council are followed and documented.
• We will work with staff to identify appropriate training and support on an ongoing basis.
• Arrange staff meetings to ensure there is a whole school approach to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, working together to identify and address key issues.
• We will ensure all staff receive Introduction to Equality & Diversity training which will be documented and monitored.
• We will develop a training programme of support for each academic year to ensure staff receive regular updates on Equality matters.
• We will report incidents against diversity to the Governing Body.

Equality Objective 3

We will create a fair and inclusive learning culture for all children and young people with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• We will identify specific training needs for staff to enhance learning for pupils with protected characteristics.
• We will work with Blaenau Gwent Council to monitor pupil attainment and support our pupils to reach their learning ambitions, through appropriate support and guidance.
• We will work with pupils with protected characteristics to ensure that the school continually improves.
• We will support the delivery of our School Council and identify pupils to participate in Children’s Grand Council sessions, ensuring pupil voice.
• We will work with pupils with protected characteristics to continually improve and develop awareness to support better learning outcomes, ensuring a better understanding with staff/pupils as well as working effectively with key partners to support this. (note this is also covered in objective 5)

Equality Objective 4

We will promote and support inclusive, safe and cohesive communities.

• We will operate a zero tolerance to bullying & hate crime within and outside school.
• We will develop a learning culture where bullying and hate crime is understood through classroom-based activities, specific assembly sessions and celebrate commemorative days such as Holocaust Memorial, Black History Month, LGBTQ+ History month etc. to celebrate, share, learn and raise awareness.
• We will report all incidents of bullying using “Class Charts” and develop interventions with the pupils/families to educate and support.
• We will actively listen to pupils and parents around concerns raised from within and outside school to take appropriate action when required.
• We will work with partners/agencies to deliver training within school to support learning for staff and pupils.
• We will celebrate diversity & culture through exploration and learning.
• We will support school twinning to develop skills and learning around other cultures/religions.

Equality Objective 5

We will ensure effective engagement and participation for people with protected characteristics.

• We will work with pupils and parents to raise awareness and understanding of protected characteristics through classroom-based activities and wider community engagement.
• Through engagement and classroom-based activities we explore similarities and differences to bring pupils and communities together.
• We will work with pupils with protected characteristics to continually improve and develop awareness to support better learning outcomes, ensuring a better understanding as well as working effectively with key partners to support this.
• We will look to develop support groups within school to support those with protected characteristic (Equality Voice Groups, LGBTQ+ support, cultural diversity etc.).

Equality Objective 6

 We will strive to reduce inequality caused by poverty.

• We will work with partners/agencies to deliver key programmes that will support those with protected characteristics to tackle inequality.
• We will ensure that as a school those affected are supported to learn through identified support/interventions and/or learning materials/equipment they may need to reach their learning potential.
• We will promote Cost-of-Living support schemes e.g. Council Tax discounts and reductions, winter fuel payments, foodbanks, and school uniform grants etc.
• We will consider the Children in Wales’s Child Poverty Report’s findings.