Equality Act Statement and Measurable Targets

Introduction

At Monks Abbey Primary School, we are committed to ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion for all students, staff, and stakeholders in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty 2011. Our aim is to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations among people with different protected characteristics.

Equality Statement

The governing body of our school is dedicated to upholding the principles of equality and diversity across all aspects of school life. We seek to ensure that every individual feels valued and has the opportunity to reach their full potential in our diverse school setting.

Protected Characteristics

In line with the Equality Act 2010, the protected characteristics we consider include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender Reassignment
• Marriage and Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy and Maternity
• Race
• Religion or Belief
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation

Measurable Targets and Actions

1. Student Achievement and Progress
• Target: By the end of each academic year, ensure no significant achievement gaps between different groups of students (e.g., based on gender, ethnicity, or disability) in key stage assessments.
• Actions: Regularly analyse student performance data, implement targeted support where necessary, and review progress through data reports.
• Measure: Track academic results and set intervention plans for any identified gaps.
2. Staff Recruitment and Retention
• Target: Increase the diversity of staff by 10% within the next three years and maintain equitable retention rates across all demographic groups.
• Actions: Promote inclusive recruitment practices, provide training on unconscious bias, and conduct annual reviews of staff demographics and turnover.
• Measure: Monitor and report on the diversity of job applicants (LCC equality form), appointments, and staff retention statistics.
3. Accessibility and Inclusion
• Target: Ensure that all school facilities and materials are fully accessible to students with disabilities by the end of the academic year.
• Actions: Conduct an annual accessibility audit, seek feedback from students and parents, and implement improvements based on audit findings. Governors to conduct regular premises walk.
• Measure: Review accessibility audit results and address any issues within specified timelines.
4. Training and Professional Development
• Target: Provide equality and diversity training to 100% of staff and governors annually.
• Actions: Schedule and deliver training sessions, and ensure all new staff receive induction training on equality and diversity.
• Measure: Record participation in training sessions and gather feedback to assess effectiveness.
5. Anti-Bullying and Harassment
• Target: Reduce incidents of bullying and harassment related to protected characteristics by 25% within two years.
• Actions: Implement and regularly review anti-bullying policies, provide support for victims, and promote a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination. Update CPOMS categories for easier monitoring and report on these to Governors.
• Measure: Track reported incidents and outcomes, and adjust policies as needed based on data analysis.
6. Parental and Community Engagement
• Target: Increase participation in school events and consultations from underrepresented groups by 15% over the next three years.
• Actions: Develop and promote engagement strategies, offer events at various times, and seek feedback from parents on barriers to participation.
• Measure: Monitor attendance at school events and parent consultations, and evaluate the effectiveness of engagement strategies.

Monitoring and Review

The governing body will review this Equality Statement annually to assess progress towards the targets and to ensure continued compliance with the Equality Act 2010. We will seek feedback from the school community and make any necessary adjustments to our policies and practices.

The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in school through:

• Our school values
• Our school behaviour policy
• Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community
• Active engagement and communication with parents and carers
• Collective Worship 
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) sessions
• Religious Education (RE) lessons & RSE lessons
• Sporting, Art and Cultural Events
• Educational trips and visitors
• Developing links with local, national and international communities
• Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs, charity work and work within the local community