Equality

Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)

The Equality Act 2010 (which introduced the Public Sector Equality Duty) requires us to publish information that demonstrates that we have due regard for the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010

• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it

• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

This means:

• Decision-makers demonstrating awareness of the duties under the Act by assessing the impact any decision or action will have on people with protected characteristics.

• Considering any equality implications when developing and approving policies and reviewing them regularly with equality in mind.

• Carrying out these analyses seriously, rigorously and with an open mind.

• Doing this yourself, as a school – responsibility cannot be delegated.

Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics. The Act protects everyone against unfair treatment. Protected Characteristics:

• age;

• gender reassignment; 

• being married or in a civil partnership; 

• being pregnant or on maternity leave; 

• disability; 

• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin; 

• religion or belief; 

• sex; 

• sexual orientation.

TMPF Trust Equality Objectives

We believe that the Equality Act provides a framework to support our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality and fostering good relationships between everyone.

Our approach to equality is based on the following key principles:

1. All learners are equal.

2. We value difference.

3. We foster positive attitudes and relationships and a shared sense of belonging.

4. We are mindful of equality practice in staff recruitment, retention and development.

5. We aim to reduce and remove inequalities and barriers that already exist.

6. We have the highest expectations of all our children.

TMPF Trust schools aim to continually develop and maintain our lovely and warm culture of inclusion and diversity as we believe that as a family of fourteen schools of wonderful children, that this can enable those connected to the schools to feel proud of their identity and have the ability to participate in school life.

We tackle discrimination through the positive of equality, by challenging bullying, misconceptions and stereotypes. We believe that this will enable us to create and nurture an environment which promotes love for one another.

Within TMPF Trust, we believe that diversity brings strength. If we were all the same, our lives would not be as rich. The differences in British society and our Parishes and communities should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn with us, teach with us, work with us, support us and visit us.

Equality in Teaching and Learning

We provide our pupils with the opportunity to learn, to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally and to celebrate personal achievement. We do this by:

• Providing equality of access for all pupils to prepare them to contribute towards life in a diverse society.

• Incorporating topics and materials which reflect the rich diversity of the school and Trust communities and Great Britain without stereotyping. 

• Promoting attitudes and values that: challenge any discriminatory behaviour or prejudice; promote understanding and respect for the difference in the world and encourage children to turn away from extremism and radicalisation and focus on love for one another. 

• Providing opportunities for children to understand and appreciate their own culture, the culture of their school and celebrate the diversity of other cultures within Great Britain and beyond. 

• Striving to involve parents, carers, grandparents and wider family members in supporting their child’s education. 

• Using teaching practices which aim to meet the needs of the children within our schools, maintaining high expectations and support and enabling children to reflect upon their learning.

Equality in Admissions and Exclusions

TMPF Trust admissions are fair and transparent.

• Admission arrangements do not, and will not, discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health, neurodiversity, or socio-economic background. 

• Decisions on Admissions and Exclusions (including suspensions) will always take into account the current pupils at each school and the Trust’s values.

Equality for staff

TMPF Trust will make all appointments and staffing decisions with fairness and equality of opportunity whilst always searching for the best candidate for each role, as that is what the children deserve. Appointments to the team will be done in compliance with the law.