At St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive community where everyone is valued and treated with dignity and respect. This commitment is rooted in our Christian ethos, our values of Love, Hope and Trust, and our mission statement, “Investing in the uniqueness of the individual.”
We recognise and actively promote equality in line with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that no member of our school community is disadvantaged or discriminated against because of who they are. Our approach is underpinned by our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice (EDIJ) and our belief that every individual is made in the image of God and loved unconditionally.
What Are Protected Characteristics?
The Equality Act 2010 outlines nine protected characteristics. These are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
At St Mary’s, we are committed to ensuring that pupils, staff, parents and visitors are treated fairly and respectfully, regardless of any protected characteristic.
Our Inclusive Approach
At St Mary’s, inclusion is not an add‑on—it is central to who we are. We seek to remove barriers to learning and participation so that all pupils can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Our curriculum, policies and daily practice reflect our belief that difference enriches our community. Through teaching, worship and relationships, pupils are encouraged to recognise their own worth and to show compassion, kindness and respect towards others.
This inclusive culture reflects our school values:
- Love – welcoming and caring for one another
- Hope – believing in the potential of every individual
- Trust – creating a safe environment where everyone feels secure and respected
Teaching and Learning
Understanding and respect for protected characteristics are embedded throughout the curriculum in age‑appropriate ways.
Curriculum and PSHE
Through PSHE, pupils learn about:
- Respectful relationships
- Equality and fairness
- Rights and responsibilities
- Belonging and identity
Discussions are carefully planned to help pupils develop empathy, challenge stereotypes and understand the importance of standing against discrimination and bullying of all kinds.
Religious Education
As a Church of England school, Religious Education plays a vital role in helping pupils understand Christianity alongside a wide range of other faiths and worldviews. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on shared human values, respect religious difference and appreciate diverse beliefs within modern Britain.
These experiences support pupils in developing understanding, tolerance and compassion, reflecting both British Values and our EDIJ principles.
Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment
St Mary’s is committed to ensuring that all members of our school community feel safe, supported and listened to.
- Discriminatory language or behaviour is not tolerated.
- Clear procedures are in place for reporting and responding to concerns.
- Anti‑bullying education reinforces the importance of kindness, fairness and inclusion.
Pupils are encouraged to speak up if something feels unfair or unkind, and they are taught that everyone has a responsibility to look after one another. This reflects our Christian belief in justice and reconciliation.
Celebrating Diversity
We actively promote positive role models and celebrate diversity through:
- Curriculum content and resources
- Assemblies and collective worship
- Cultural and religious learning opportunities
- Discussion of current events through age‑appropriate materials
By recognising and valuing difference, we help pupils develop confidence in who they are while learning to respect the uniqueness of others.
Working in Partnership
We recognise the importance of working closely with families, staff, governors and the wider community to uphold our commitment to equality and inclusion. We strive to listen carefully, respond sensitively and learn continuously as we seek to serve our diverse school community.
