Equality and Diversity
Public Sector Equality Duty
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.
Orchard View Primary Academy is an inclusive academy which prioritises the well-being and progress of every child. All members of our academy community are valued.
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 supports our determination to tackle issues of disadvantage.
The 9 Protected Characteristics
Under the Equality Act (2010), there are nine Protected Characteristics:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy and maternity
Equality in schools means ensuring all pupils have the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background, characteristics, or any other factor. This involves treating everyone fairly and without discrimination, while also recognising and celebrating diversity. It's about fostering an inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and can reach their full potential.
The main principles of our approach to equality are:
- 1. Everyone in our academy community is of equal value
- 2. We recognise and respect difference
- 3. We foster positive attitudes and relationships and a shared sense of belonging
- 4. We observe good 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
Key Aspects of Equality at OVPA:
- Eliminating Discrimination- we promote positive relationships between pupils, staff and parents, ensuring that the curriculum and academy activities reflect the diversity of our community.
- Promoting Equal Opportunities- we ensure that all pupils have access to the same resources, support, and opportunities, regardless of their background. This may involve providing additional support for pupils with specific needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Fostering Inclusion- we create an environment where every pupil feels a sense of belonging and is valued for their unique contributions.
- Celebrating Diversity- we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of all of our pupils and families. This is achieved through curriculum development, a variety of academy events and by promoting intercultural understanding.
- Addressing Equity- equality focuses on treating everyone the same, equity recognises that some pupils may need additional support or resources to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential. Equity ensures that all pupils have a fair chance to succeed, even if that means providing different types of support.
Local Offer
Please find information on the Bucks Local offer here: Bucks Local Offer
OVPA Equality Objectives
Please find our OVPA Equality Objectives: OVPA Equality Objectives
Accessibility Plan
Please find our OVPA Accessibility Plan: Accessibility Plan & Policy
