Our school is situated in a small, semi-rural High Peak town with a population very limited in ethnic and cultural diversity, yet is 15 miles away from the city of Manchester, which is one of the most richly diverse cities in the country.

Whatever the nature of the local community, our children are growing up in a diverse society where they are subject to various attitudes towards minority groups, certain images of these groups portrayed by the media, and their own unconscious bias.

Our school, in common with all public bodies, aims to meet its obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) by having due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is 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 across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it

Ethos

Our school places a real focus on recognising our children as individuals. All have the right to work and learn in a safe, secure and caring environment, in which they are valued. In developing the ‘Dukes’ Learner’ we are developing the attitudes and characteristics our young people will need throughout their lives. The Dukes’ Learner is kind, empathetic, accepting, respectful, responsible and proud. We respect ourselves, each other and our community. The relationships which exist between all members of our school community are a strength of our school.

The School has a responsibility to broaden the horizons of our children. We strive to overcome disadvantage and stand against all forms of discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Equality Objectives 

Objective 1

To monitor and promote the involvement of all groups of students in the extra-curricular life of the school, including student leadership opportunities.

Objective 2

To actively close gaps in attainment and achievement between all groups of children especially children eligible for free-school meals, children with special educational needs and disabilities, looked after children and children with English as an additional language (EAL).

Objective 3

To evaluate the newly implemented curriculum in all areas to ensure the positive representation of all protected characteristics across so that our children see and can be seen.

Objective 4

To reduce the incidence of discriminatory language and prejudice-based bullying by children in the school, ensuring the consistent and appropriate recording, reporting and action by staff following incidents.