The 2010 Equality Act makes it an offense to discriminate against a person due to their protected characteristic(s). It is important that all pupils gain an understanding of the world they are growing up in and learn how to live alongside and show respect for a diverse range of people.
To find out more about what protected characteristics are and what they mean, please read below:
It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of:
These are called Protected Characteristics.
Age
A person belonging to a particular age (for example 32 year olds) or range of ages (for example 18 to 30 year olds).
Disability
A person has a disability if she or he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Gender reassignment
The process of transitioning from one sex to another.
Marriage and civil partnership
Marriage is a union between a man and a woman or between a same-sex couple.
Same-sex couples can also have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil partnerships'. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably than married couples (except where permitted by the Equality Act).
Pregnancy and maternity
Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
Race
Refers to the protected characteristic of race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.
Religion and belief
Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief refers to any religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Sex
A man or a woman.
Sexual orientation
Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.
The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in school through:
Embedding Protected Characteristics into the whole ethos of Combs Infant School promotes:
How do we focus on this in our school?
Through our school get togethers children learn about diversity and inclusion through shared stories each week.
We are focusing predominantly on
as these are the most age appropriate for our children.
At Combs Infant School, we teach all of the children the importance of protected characteristics and what they are. This is usually alongside the PSHE curriculum and through appropriate texts.