Equality Statement & Objectives 2023/24

Introduction

Public bodies, including local-authority-maintained schools, are covered by the public sector equality duty in the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011.

At Co-op Academy Failsworth, we take this obligation very seriously and ensure that all our students can take part as fully as possible in every aspect of school life. We identify any barriers to learning and then work hard to ensure that whatever inclinations, aptitude or level of ability, every one of our students is presented with a variety of educational, cultural and social opportunities which sensitively challenges and supports each of them to maximise their development. Our vision, missions and values capture and crystallise these aspirations and intentions:

Our Academy Vision is:

‘Coop Academy Failsworth as a ‘centre of excellence’ where the day in day out experience is outstanding for all.

Our Academy Mission is:

‘Achieving Excellence Together’.

Are Values are built on the Coop ‘Ways of Being’:

Equality Statement

At Coop Academy Failsworth we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all students, colleagues, parents and carers irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in academy life. We tackle discrimination through the positive promotion of equality, by challenging bullying and stereotypes and by creating an environment which champions respect for all. At Coop Academy Failsworth, we believe that diversity is a strength which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us.

We achieve this through:

Equality in teaching and learning

• Teaching styles and pedagogy, methods, language, questioning and classroom management includes and engages all students.
• Suitable resources are chosen which motivate and are sensitive to different groups, cultures and backgrounds.
• Stereotypes and what are thought to be stereotypical activities are effectively challenged.
• Teaching strategies are reviewed in relation to variations in learning and attainment and in the light of known good practice
• They are aware of possible cultural assumptions and bias within their own attitudes and we are committed to developing tolerance for those who are different to us.

Equality in leadership

Senior leaders are responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements are put in place to monitor the performance of potentially disadvantaged students, this includes:

• Identifying and investigating any patterns with regard to exclusions and poor attendance in respect of particular groups
• Monitoring differences in student attitudes to work and towards each other, with a view to identifying any significant patterns
• Addressing issues such as sexual or racial harassment, bullying and hostile behaviour and ensuring that there are effective procedures for reporting and responding to such incidents
• Ensuring that the performance of different groups of students is monitored and evaluated so that the particular needs of different students are met
• The impact of additional support on standards achieved is evaluated.

It is essential that there is an appropriate response to identified patterns of attainment, progress, behaviour, attitudes and attendance.  It is the responsibility of managers to ensure that:

• Strategies are implemented to raise performance, aspirations and self-esteem
• Staff development is provided to raise awareness of differences in need and to promote strategies to raise achievement in all students
• An environment is created which affirms and supports ethnic, cultural, religious and social diversity and effectively promotes good personal, community and race relations.

The impact this has on our students:

All students will have equal access to all academy curriculum programmes of study throughout each Key Stage, and non‑compulsory courses, according to aptitude and ability;

• The academy is committed to full educational inclusion (see SEN policy)
• Reasonable adjustments will be made for students who require auxiliary aids and provision of services for disabled students
• We will collect and record figures on take-up of courses, which will be presented to the Principal annually, or more often if requested. The Principal will keep the Governors informed on this
• We will ensure that annual analysis of attainment, behaviour and other student data will be undertaken by gender, ethnic background and ability
• All subjects will have equality of opportunity at their core and make explicit references within medium and long term learning plans to ensure full progression
• All academy improvement plans will act to improve the learning of students according to this analysis
• Academy rules and the Code of Conduct for students clearly and explicitly forbid the verbalisation or vocalisation of discrimination on the grounds of race, culture, religion, gender, transgender sexuality, ability/disability, pregnancy and maternity and gender reassignment
• Positive attitudes and awareness development for equality of opportunity will be specifically taught through the PSHE and Personal Development programme.

Equality Objectives 2023/24

The Trust have set out 3 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Objectives:

Objective 1: to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into the curriculum and teaching & learning practices.

Objective 2: to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into the wider organisation

Objective 3: Our Equality Objectives:

• each academy publishing a statement setting out the actions they intend taking to advance equality, diversity & inclusion during the forthcoming academic year (or from their date of joining the Trust). A report will be provided by the Headteacher / Principal, on request annually, to enable Trust-wide reporting.
• ensuring, as we adopt a Trust-wide HR information system, that this incorporates the ability to provide robust reporting on and monitoring of equalities data.
• further developing reporting on our gender pay gap and – in future – other pay gaps (e.g. ethnicity), and taking positive action to reduce these gaps where possible.
• taking steps to address the risk of bias and discriminatory behaviour, initially by raising awareness of this facet of equality and diversity through leadership training; and ensuring that ‘blind recruitment’ takes place for all roles across the Trust.
• creating and promoting opportunities for staff voice, and debate & dialogue, within the Trust around these key issues.

As an academy, we have focused on Objective 1 this academic year, however, objectives 2 and 3 are also woven into this

Objective 1: to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into the curriculum and teaching and learning practices:

We will work to towards a curriculum and teaching and learning practices which:

• Are inclusive where all students and colleagues are welcomed and valued
• Show respect for and appreciation of one another as individuals.
• Develop personal and cultural identity in all students.
• Are proactive in tackling discrimination in all its forms.
• Promote the benefits of diversity.

We will strive for all students to:

• Leave the academy with the highest of aspiration, equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to achieve their full potential.
• Be successful learners who enjoy their academic, creative, physical and vocational education, who make excellent progress and achieve high standards.
• Become confident individuals who are able to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
• Become responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic as well as those who do not.

This means we will:

• take reasonable and necessary steps to meet pupils’ needs by using a variety of approaches and planning reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils, enabling our pupils to take as full a part as possible in all the activities of the school. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure the school environment and its activities are as accessible and welcoming as possible for pupils, staff and visitors to the school. We are also committed to ensuring staff with a disability have equality of opportunity.
• actively encourage positive attitudes towards students and staff and expect everyone to treat others with dignity and respect, as well as encouraging the use of emotional intelligence so we can be empathetic and considerate of those less fortunate than ourselves.
• regularly consider the impact of our curriculum to ensure that it promotes awareness of the rights of individuals and develops the skills of participation and responsible action. We want children to understand and value the diversity that surrounds them, and challenge prejudice and stereotyping.
• monitor the progress and achievement of pupils who fall within the appropriate protected characteristics. This information will help us set equality objectives, remain fully inclusive and ensure pupils achieve their full potential.
• Provide all staff with the opportunity to complete the ‘challenging opinions, opposing prejudice; CPD modules that focus on: LGBTQIA- with a particular focus on Trans, Racial Equality with a particular focus on BLM and Gender Equality- with a particular focus on equality for women and domestic abuse.
• work with outside agencies and other schools where appropriate to ensure that every opportunity is taken to promote and advance equality.
• monitor bullying and prejudice related incidents and deal with them effectively. Regular training will be given to new and existing staff to ensure that they are aware of the process for reporting and following up any incidents of bullying.
• have an expectation that all staff will be role-models for equal opportunities, deal with bullying and discriminatory incidents and be able to identify and challenge prejudice and stereotyping.

Progress towards objectives September 2023 Update

Additional actions and impacts since the previous update can be seen in blue in the table below.

The Trust have set out 3 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Objectives:

Objective 1: to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into the curriculum and teaching & learning practices.

Objective 2: to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into the wider organisation

Objective 3: Our Equality Objectives:

• each academy publishing a statement setting out the actions they intend taking to advance equality, diversity & inclusion during the forthcoming academic year (or from their date of joining the Trust). A report will be provided by the Headteacher / Principal, on request annually, to enable Trust-wide reporting.
• ensuring, as we adopt a Trust-wide HR information system, that this incorporates the ability to provide robust reporting on and monitoring of equalities data.
• further developing reporting on our gender pay gap and – in future – other pay gaps (e.g. ethnicity), and taking positive action to reduce these gaps where possible.
• taking steps to address the risk of bias and discriminatory behaviour, initially by raising awareness of this facet of equality and diversity through leadership training; and ensuring that ‘blind recruitment’ takes place for all roles across the Trust.
• creating and promoting opportunities for staff voice, and debate & dialogue, within the Trust around these key issues.

As an academy, we have focused on Objective 1 this academic year, however, elements of objective 2 and 3 are also woven into this. Below is a summary of our progress to date:

Appendix 1

Personal Development and Protective Aspects of the Curriculum

Requirements and Statutory Aspects of the Curriculum

Appendix 2