Single Equality Scheme 2012-2016
1. Policy Statement At BVS we strive to, provide a caring environment where every child matters. We are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers receiving services from the school, irrespective of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, faith or religion, socio-economic background, and pregnancy and maternity. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and able to participate fully in school life. The achievement of pupils will be monitored by race, gender and disability and we will use this data to support pupils, raise standards and ensure inclusive teaching. We will tackle discrimination by the positive promotion of equality, challenging bullying and stereotypes and creating an environment which champions respect for all. At BVS we believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit here. 2. School Context BVS serves a mixed catchment area within Milton Keynes. Over the years, the areas surrounding the original Bradwell Village have developed to encompass the newer Bradwell Village and Heelands grid squares. Within these two estates there are pockets of deprivation as well as middle income homeowners. Consequently, our intake is composed of a wide socio-economic and multi-cultural mix. The MK calculation of average deprivation score and rank by school, based on pupil addresses and the Index of Multiple Deprivation score of their home address, shows BVS has an average score (2011) of 17.32 (this score has risen over the previous year) and is higher than the MK average of 16.41. The level of Special Educational Needs is currently 26.6% (March 2012). 32% of our children are Minority Ethnic Pupils. 21% of children have EAL and of these thirteen pupils have been identified as having early acquisition of English. The trend shows a steady rise in numbers. Special Needs: School Action School Action Plus Statement Year 3 4 16 Year 4 7 11 Year 5 6 5 Year 6 8 10 Total 25 42 0 Minority Ethnic Numbers: Ethnic Minority Children Children with English as Total (including BME) an additional Language Year 3 9 20 30 Year 4 10 10 19 Year 5 6 11 18 Year 6 4 11 15 Total 29 (12% of school) 52 (21% of school) 82 (32% of school) Languages Represented there are 20 in total: Tamil, Urdu, Polish, Swahili/Kiswahili, Akan/Twi-Fante, Panjabi, Ndebele, German, Bengali, Lithuanian, Dutch/Flemish, French, Somali, Russian, Persian/Farsi, Greek, Danish, Arabic & Shona. Page 2 of 13
3. Mainstreaming equality into policy and practice As well as the specific actions set out in our Action Plan BVS operates equality of opportunity in its day-today practice in the following ways: Teaching and learning We aim to provide all our pupils with the opportunity to succeed, and to reach the highest level of personal achievement. To do this, we will: Use contextual data to improve the ways in which we provide support to individuals and groups of pupils. Monitor achievement data by ethnicity, gender and disability and action any gaps. Take account of the achievement of all pupils when planning for future learning and setting challenging targets. Ensure equality of access for all pupils and prepare them for life in a diverse society. Use materials that reflect the diversity of the school, population and local community in terms of race, gender and disability, without stereotyping. Promote attitudes and values that will challenge racist and other discriminatory behaviour or prejudice. Provide opportunities for pupils to appreciate their own culture and celebrate the diversity of other cultures. Seek to involve all parents and carers in supporting their child s education. Encourage classroom and staffroom discussion of equality issues, which reflect on social stereotypes, expectations and the impact on learning. Include teaching and classroom-based approaches appropriate for the whole school population, which are inclusive and reflective of our pupils. Admissions and exclusions Our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent, and do not discriminate on race, gender, disability or socio-economic factors. Exclusions will always be based on the school s Behaviour Policy. We will closely monitor exclusions to avoid any potential adverse impact and ensure any discrepancies are identified and dealt with. Equal Opportunities for Staff This section deals with aspects of equal opportunities relating to staff at BVS: We are committed to the implementation of equal opportunities principles and the monitoring and active promotion of equality in all aspects of staffing and employment. Page 3 of 13
All staff appointments and promotions are made on the basis of merit and ability and in compliance with the law. However, we are concerned to ensure wherever possible that the staffing of the school reflects the diversity of our community. Employer Duties As an employer we need to ensure that we eliminate discrimination and harassment in our employment practice and actively promote equality across all groups within our workforce. Equality aspects such as gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment and faith or religion are considered when appointing staff and when allocating Teaching and Learning Responsibilities (TLR) or re-evaluating staff structures, to ensure decisions are free of discrimination. Actions to ensure this commitment is met include: Monitoring recruitment and retention including bullying and harassment of staff. Continued professional development opportunities for all staff. Senior Leadership Team support to ensure equality of opportunity for all. 4. Equality and the law There are a number of statutory duties that must be met by every school in line with legislation from the Race Relations (Amendment) Act (2000), Disability Equality Duty (2005) and Equality Act (2010). The action plan at the end of this Equality Scheme outlines the actions BVS will take to meet the general duties detailed below. 4a. Race Equality This section of the plan reflects the general and specific duties of schools as detailed in The Race Relations Act 1976 and as amended by The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Equality Act 2010. The General Race Equality Duty requires us to have due regard to the need to: Eliminate racial discrimination. Promote equality of opportunity. Promote good relations between people of different racial groups. Under our specific duty we will: Prepare a Single Equality Scheme, which includes our written policy for race equality. Assess the impact of our policies, including this Scheme, on pupils, staff and parents by ethnicity including, in particular, the achievement levels of these pupils. Page 4 of 13
Monitor the impact our plans and policies have on such pupils, staff and parents towards raising the achievement of minority ethnic groups. 4b. Disability This section should be read in conjunction with the school s Special Educational Needs Policy. Definition of disability The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial or long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. For the purposes of the Act, these words have the following meanings: 'substantial' means more than minor or trivial. 'long-term' means that the effect of the impairment has lasted or is likely to last for at least twelve months (there are special rules covering recurring or fluctuating conditions). 'normal day-to-day activities' include everyday things like eating, washing, walking and going shopping. People who have had a disability in the past that meets this definition are also protected by the Act. Legal Duties The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005 and Equality Act 2010 place a general duty on schools, requiring them to have due regard for the following when carrying out and delivering services: Promoting equality of opportunity between disabled people and other people. Eliminating discrimination and harassment of disabled people that is related to their disability. Promoting positive attitudes towards disabled people. Encouraging participation in public life by disabled people. Taking steps to meet disabled people s needs, even if this requires more favourable treatment. Under our specific duty we will: Prepare and publish an Equality Scheme identifying our disability equality goals and actions to meet them. Review and revise this Scheme every four years. 4c. Gender Equality The Gender Equality Duty 2006 and Equality Act 2010 place a general and specific duty on schools to eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment on the grounds of gender and to promote equality of opportunity between female and male pupils and between women and men and transgender people. Page 5 of 13
Under our general duty we will actively seek to: Eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment on grounds of sex and gender reassignment. Promote equality between men and women. Under our specific duty we will: Prepare and publish an Equality Scheme identifying our gender equality goals and actions to meet them. Review and revise this Scheme every four years. 4d. Sexual Orientation, Religion & Beliefs The Equality Act 2010 made provision for regulations to be introduced to extend protection against discrimination on grounds of religion and beliefs and to sexual orientation. The Equality Act 2010 makes discrimination unlawful in the area of goods, facilities and services on grounds of sexual orientation, religion or beliefs. For schools this means admissions, benefits and services for pupils and treatment of pupils, staff and parents. 4e. Community Cohesion The Education and Inspections Act 2006 inserted a new section 21(5) to the Education Act 2002, introducing a duty on the governing bodies of state schools to promote community cohesion. Community cohesion encompasses promoting good relations between pupils from different races, faiths / beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds. The duty came into force on 1 September 2007 and is echoed in the 2010 Equality Act. 5. Consultation and involvement It is a requirement that the development of this Scheme and the actions within it have been informed by the input of staff, pupils and parents and carers. We have achieved this by using the following to shape the plan: Feedback from the bi-annual Parent Questionnaire, Parents Evenings, Parents Coffee Mornings. Input from staff meetings. Feedback from the School Council, Healthy School Group, Eco Group, PSHCE lessons. Issues raised in annual reviews or reviews of progress on Individual Education Plans, Provision Maps, mentoring and support. Feedback at Governing Body meetings. 6. Roles and Responsibilities The Governing Body: Sets out its commitment to equal opportunities in this Scheme and it will continue to do all it can to ensure that the school is fully inclusive to pupils, parents and staff. Page 6 of 13
Ensures that the school complies with equality legislation, including the general and specific duties, making reasonable adjustments to provision where necessary to uphold equality law. Makes sure that the Single Equity Scheme and its related procedures and strategies are implemented. Elects a governor who has lead responsibility for the Single Equality Scheme and who will receive appropriate training. Supports the Headteacher in consultations with all stakeholders and in implementing any actions necessary. Evaluates and reviews the equality objectives at least every four years from 6 th April 2012.. The Headteacher: Works with the Governing Body to ensure that the Scheme and its related procedures and strategies are implemented effectively. Ensures that all stakeholders, including staff, are aware of their responsibilities under the Scheme and are given appropriate training and support so that they can fulfill their responsibilities. Monitors progress within the SES and provides an annual report to the Governing Body. Manages any day-to-day issues arising from the SES, whether for pupils ar for the school as an employer. Takes appropriate action with staff or pupils who discriminate. All Staff: Are aware of the Single Equality Scheme, actively support it and ensure that any training requirements are reported to the Headteacher. Deal with incidents of discrimination and know how to identify and challenge bias and stereotyping, as well as being aware of procedures to record. Ensure that activities and personal behaviour do not discriminate on any grounds. Keep up to date with equalities legislation by attending training and information events organised by the school or local authority. Teaching Staff: Ensure that pupils from all groups have full access to the curriculum. Promote equality and diversity through teaching and through encouraging community cohesion. Pupils: Are aware of, and act in accordance with, the Single Equality Scheme. Page 7 of 13
Understand the importance of reporting prejudice-based incidents. Parents & Carers should: Have access to the Scheme. Be encouraged to support the Scheme. Have the right to be informed of any incident related to this Scheme which could directly affect their child. Visitors & Contractors: Will ensure they are aware of, and comply with, BVS s Single Equality Scheme. 7. Data Analysis The following table shows the 2011 unvalidated KS2 SATs Results with the % of children achieving Level 4+ and the % achieving Level 5 2011 SATs Results (Level 4+) 2011 SATs Results (Level 5) Reading 92.0 37.0 Writing 92.0 8.0 Maths 90.0 39.0 Overall English 93.0 27.0 English L4+ are above national 2010 (ARE). Maths L4+ are above national 2010 (ARE). English L5 are just below national 2010 (ARE). Maths L5 are above national 2010 (ARE). 2011 Year 6 SAT results: Data for the summer term shows that our SEN children achieved significantly higher in their SAT results than comparable children nationally in English and Maths. 79% achieved level 4 or above in English compared to 57% nationally and 86% achieved level 4 or above in Maths compared to 53% nationally. Progress: Our SAT results show that School Action children made over 12 points progress from KS1 to KS2 in Reading Writing and Maths which is above national expectations. Our combined statement, School Action Plus and School Action SEN results show that the children made the expected 12 points progress in Reading and Maths and 11.71 points progress in Writing. Our Sat results for EAL children show that they made accelerated progress from KS1 to KS2 in Reading Writing and Maths achieving average point scores in Reading of 15.4, Writing 13.2 and Maths 12.8 (expected progress in all areas is 12points) Page 8 of 13
8. Publication In order to meet the statutory requirements to publish an Equality Scheme we will: Publish our Single Equality Scheme on the school website: www.bradwellvillageschool.co.uk Raise awareness of the Scheme through the school newsletter, assemblies, staff meetings and other communications. Make sure hard copies are available in the BVS Foyer or upon request. 9. Review of progress and impact Our Governing Body has agreed the Single Equality Scheme. We have a rolling programme for reviewing our school policies and their impact. In line with legislative requirements, we will review progress against our Equality Scheme annually and review the entire Scheme and accompanying Action Plan on a four-year cycle. We make regular assessments of pupils learning (half termly) and use this information to track pupil progress. As part of this process, we monitor achievement by ethnicity, gender and disability, to ensure that all groups of pupils are making the best possible progress, and take appropriate action to address any gaps. Date: April 2012 Page 9 of 13
10. ACTION PLAN Equality Strand All Action Publish and promote the Equality Plan through the school website, newsletter and staff meetings. How will the impact of the action be monitored? Question about parent awareness of Equality Scheme in summer term questionnaire Who is responsible for implementing? What are the timeframes? Headteacher April 2012 July 2012 (analysis of questionnaires) Early success indicators Staff are familiar with the principles of the Equality Plan and use them when planning lessons, creating class room displays etc. All All All All All Monitor and analyse pupil achievement by race, gender and disability and act on any trends or patterns in the data that require additional support for pupils. Ensure that the curriculum (IPC) promotes role models and heroes that young people positively identify with, which reflects the school s diversity in terms of race, gender and disability. Recognise and represent the talents of disabled pupils in Gifted and Talented programmes, and ensure representation on the programmes fully reflects the school population in terms of race and gender. Ensure that displays in classrooms and corridors promote diversity in terms of race, gender and ethnicity. Ensure all pupils are given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the life of the school e.g. through involvement in the School Council, Eco Group, Healthy School Group, Junior Park Rangers etc. Achievement data analysed by race, gender and disability Increase in pupils participation, confidence and achievement levels Gifted and Talented register monitored by race, gender and disability Increase in pupil participation, confidence and positive identity monitor through PSHCE Representation of groups monitored by race, gender, disability Headteacher / Deputy Head/ Governing Body Year Team Managers through short term lesson plans Inclusion Manager Year Team Managers Members of staff leading School Council, Eco Group, Healthy School Group etc. Published April 2012 & analysed termly Sept 2012 July 2013 From Sept 2012 Ongoing From April 2012 Parents are aware of the Equality Plan Analysis of teacher assessments & data demonstrates the gap is narrowing for equality groups Notable increase in participation and confidence of targeted groups Analysis of the Gifted and Talented register indicates it is changing to reflect the school s diversity More diversity reflected in school displays across all year groups More diversity in school council membership
10. ACTION PLAN Equality Strand Race Equality Duty Gender Equality Duty Disability Equality Duty Community Cohesion Action Identify, respond and report racist incidents as outlined in the Plan. Report the figures to the Governing Body / Local Authority on a termly basis. Introduce initiative to encourage girls to take up sport outside the curriculum requirements, including offering girls football and cheerleading clubs, to make participation rates more reflective of the school population. Promote Governor vacancies with leaflets in accessible formats, by involving disabled young people / parents in design and specifically welcoming applications from disabled candidates. Celebrate cultural events throughout the year to increase pupil awareness and understanding of different communities e.g. Diwali, Eid, Christmas. How will the impact of the action be monitored? The Headteacher / Governing Body will use the data to assess the impact of the school s response to incidents i.e. have whole school / year group approaches led to a decrease in incidents, can repeat perpetrators be identified, are pupils and parents satisfied with the response? Increased participation of girls in sports clubs and out of school sport activities Monitoring of applications by disability to see if material was effective PSHCE assessments Who is responsible for implementing? Headteacher / Governing Body Member of staff leading on sports / PE Lead Governor on Equality Year Team Managers What are the timeframes? Reporting: December, April, July Sept 2011 July 2012 April 2011 Sept 2011 July 2012 Early success indicators Teaching staff are aware of, and respond to, racist incidents More girls take up afterschool sports clubs More applications from disabled candidates to be School Governors Increased awareness of different communities shown in PSHCE assessments
Appendix A ENSURING EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY AND PARTICIPATION The school will ensure that: There is an inclusive approach to ensuring all pupils are given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the life of the school. Disabled children can take part in all aspects of the curriculum, including educational visits and journeys; lunchtime activities; PE and dance and assemblies. Extended school activities take into account pupil needs and access issues and pupils attending reflect the diversity of the school population in terms of race, gender, disability and socio-economic status. Staff, pupils, parents and carers will continue to be involved in the future development of the Equality Scheme through input and feedback from questionnaires, coffee mornings, Parents Evenings, staff meetings, School Council, Healthy School & Eco meetings, etc. The school will provide: Extra and additional support for pupils who are under-achieving, in order to make progress in their learning and their personal well being, e.g. ensuring that children with visual impairment have accessible texts. Additional support for parents of under-achieving children e.g. reporting progress; discussing needs. Additional support for disabled parents/carers and staff to help them to play a full part in the life of the school e.g. providing a sign interpreter for a deaf parent; ensuring that meetings are held in the most accessible parts of the school to support wheelchair users. PROMOTING POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND MEETING NEEDS The school will: Promote positive images which reflect the diversity of the school and community in terms of race, gender and disability, for example in assemblies, books, publications and learning materials and in classroom/corridor display. Actively seek to recruit disabled people to the school and support them in their work and career development, and try to reflect the diversity of the school community in its workforce. Actively seek to recruit disabled people to the Governing Body and make reasonable adjustments to ensure that they can fully participate and contribute. Provide reasonable means for children, young people, their friends and families to interact with people from different backgrounds and build positive relationships, including links with different schools and communities.
Provide extended services, with opportunities for pupils, families and the wider community to take part in activities and receive services, which build positive interaction and achievement for all groups. Support disabled pupils in the period of transition between primary and secondary school to ease the stress of moving and increase familiarity with new surroundings. Help children to understand others and value diversity. Promote shared values, awareness of human rights and how to apply and defend them. ELIMINATING DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT The school will: Develop and adapt its procedures on anti-bullying to include equality perspectives. Support staff to challenge and address any bullying and harassment that is based on a person s race, gender or ethnicity. Keep a record and report how these incidents are dealt with to the governing body and local authority on a termly basis. Review its approach to race, gender and disability bullying and harassment whenever it reviews its policy on behaviour. MONITORING IMPACT The school will collect and analyse evidence and data on children s achievement, attendance and participation by race, gender and disability, and use this to inform strategies to raise achievement. The Governing Body will report annually to parents on the effectiveness and success of its Equality Scheme. We will place the Report alongside the Scheme on our website.