Equality and Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act came into force from October 2010 providing a modern, single legal framework with clear, streamlined law to more effectively tackle disadvantage and discrimination. It stated that it is against the law (UK) to discriminate against anyone because of:

• age

• being or becoming a transsexual person

• being married or in a civil partnership

• being pregnant or on maternity leave

• disability

• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin

• religion, belief or lack of religion/belief

• sex

• sexual orientation

These are called ‘protected characteristics’, and schools have a duty of care to protect all pupils from discrimination or harassment. It is extremely important for all of us at Gipsey Bridge, that our children grow to be respectful, ambitious and empathetic pupils who respect the world in which they live in. 

At Gipsey Bridge, we teach our children about protected characteristics, through whole-school assemblies, our curriculum (including specific PSHE lessons via SCARF Schemes of Work), in class discussions, sporting activities and through our work with the Mini Police.  

Here is how SCARF ensures adequate coverage of each protected characteristics: