Equality Objectives 2025-26

Dawpool is an inclusive school where we focus on the well-being and progress of every child and where all members of our community are of equal worth.

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 people. It also ensures that we continue to tackle issues of disadvantage and underachievement of different groups.

Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) – Our Commitment

As required by the Equality Act 2010 and associated regulations, our school is committed to promoting equality for all. Below is how we comply with our legal duties and the steps we take.

What we publish

  1. How we comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty

    • Each year, we publish a report explaining how our policies, practices, and functions are aligned with the PSED.

    • This includes how we are working to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations among all those with protected characteristics.

    • “Protected characteristics” include age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation; marriage and civil partnership. 

    • Equality objectives

    • We set out equality objectives at least once every four years. These are specific, measurable targets that help us focus our work to reduce inequalities.

    • We report on progress towards these objectives regularly.

How we carry out our duties

  • We review all relevant school policies (such as behaviour, admissions, SEND, etc.) to ensure that they do not discriminate and that they support equality.

  • When making decisions (e.g., new initiatives, changes to the school day, staff recruitment), we consider the impact on all groups with protected characteristics. We aim to avoid adverse effects and where needed take steps to mitigate them.

  • We consult with and involve pupils, parents, staff and other stakeholders who have protected characteristics or who may be affected by inequality in school decisions.

Transparency and Annual Update

  • Our equality information (i.e. how we are meeting the public sector equality duty) is updated and published every year.

  • Our equality objectives are reviewed and re-published at least once every four years.

The Equality Act 2010 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.

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

1. All learners are of equal value

2. We recognise and respect difference

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

4. We observe good equalities 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

At Dawpool, we are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers, irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, religion or socio-economic background.

In order to further support pupils, raise standards and ensure inclusive teaching, we have set the following objectives:

Objective 1: To ensure that all staff and governors have up to date training in Equality & Diversity

Objective 2: To ensure that the curriculum promotes and encourages a respect for difference, diversity and ways of living.

Objective 3: To ensure an ethos of respect for the protected characteristics as defined by law.

Objective 4: To raise awareness of bullying in all its forms.

 Objective 5: To ensure that all pupils engage in all aspects of learning and school life and experience ‘the abundant life that Jesus offers.’