Equal opportunities policy

1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the School’s commitment to promoting equality of opportunity in the management and organisation of our school, in line with the Equality Act 2010. Polish School Brighton and Hove recognise that everyone within the organisation has a contribution to make in order to provide the environment of equal opportunities.

2. Basic principles

a) Every member of the school is regarded as of equal worth and importance, irrespective of age, disability, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, marital status, sexuality, culture and religion.

b) A good education for all our pupils is possible only if promotion of equal opportunities is fully implemented in all aspects of the life of our school.

c) Equal Opportunities practices should be evident in:

  • the fomal curriculum (the programme of lessons);
  • the informal curriculum (extra—curricular activities); and
  • the ‘hidden’ curriculum (the ethos of the school, the quality of personal
    relationships etc).

d) All members of the school should be aware of our equal opportunities policies. This includes pupils, teachers, teaching assistants, governors and parents.

e) Any member of the school acting in a manner contrary to the spirit of the policy should be made aware of the unacceptable nature of their behaviour.

Unfair assumptions, stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination are all unacceptable in the drive towards equalities. School strives to ensure that the culture and ethos of the school are such that all members of the school community will be equally valued and treat one another with respect.

3. Implementation of principles
We aim to promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination and eliminate harassment through the following:

a) Opposing all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

b) All pupils, teachers, teaching assistants, governors and parents will be treated fairly and with respect.

c) Membership will be open to all.

d) All volunteer posts will be advertised internally and externally simultaneously and will include a statement on equal opportunities.

e) Selection for volunteering, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability.

f) All volunteers/members will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of individuals will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.

g) All pupils, volunteers (teachers and teaching assistants), governors and parents have a legal and moral obligation not to discriminate and to report incidents of discrimination against any individual or group of individuals to the Headteacher or to the Chair of Governors.

4. Our commitment
a) To create environment in which individual differences and contributions of our pupils, teachers, teaching assistants, governors and parents are recognised and valued.

b) Every pupil, teacher, teaching assistant, govenor and parent is entitled to be a part of the environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.

c) Training, development and progression opportunities are available to all interested in taking part.

d) Equality is good management practice and makes sound sense. Breaches of our equality policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings or membership disqualification.

e) This policy is fully supported by the governing body and has been agreed with teachers, teaching assistants and governors.

f) The policy will be monitored and reviewed annually.

The successful implementation of this policy depends on the awareness and commitment of all teachers, teaching assistants, governors and parents. Hence, all new volunteers/members will be made aware of its existence on joining the organisation and
reminded they must conform to it.