The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 details some key equality provisions for the delivery of education and a duty for public bodies, such as Waterton and Cherry Tree Academy, to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relationships between different groups (Public sector Equality Duty).
There are three key elements:
- Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act
- 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.
The Act also introduced the need for schools to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students.
Protected characteristics The Equality Act introduced the term ‘protected characteristic’. It is unlawful for an Academy to discriminate against a student or prospective student by treating them less favourably because of their:
- sex
- race
- disability
- religion or belief
- sexual orientation
- gender reassignment
- pregnancy or maternity
Unlawful behaviour
The Equality Act 2010 defines four kinds of unlawful behaviour
- direct discrimination
- indirect discrimination
- harassment
- victimisation
Direct discrimination occurs when one person treats another less favourably, because of a protected characteristic, than they treat – or would treat – other people.
Indirect discrimination occurs when a “provision, criterion or practice” is applied generally but has the effect of putting people with a particular characteristic at a disadvantage when compared to people without that characteristic.
Harassment has a specific legal definition in the Act – it is “unwanted conduct, related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person”.
Victimisation (including hate crime) occurs when a person is treated less favourably than they otherwise would have been because of something they have done (“a protected act”) in connection with the Act.
We believe that continually developing our character to become the best version of ourselves is important for every student and staff member alike. Being inclusive is a key aspect of character development.
To be inclusive we aim to develop an understanding and tolerance of each other through knowledge, mutual respect, forgiveness and believing the best of one another. Individual rights will be respected and choice will be exercised within a culture of self-discipline.
Cherry Tree Academy promotes British values through the curriculum. We work with students to tackle issues focusing on PREVENT and extremism.
Champions
The diversity champion for Cherry Tree Academy is Stephanie Field. The SENCO is Paula Millard. The Pupil Premium Champion is Adam Dawson.