Mickley First School: Equality Objectives Statement 2025–2028

At Mickley First School, we welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to ensuring that every child, staff member, and visitor is treated with dignity and respect. Our school is a place where we celebrate our differences and work together to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to succeed.

Our Core Aims

To meet our Public Sector Equality Duty, we act with “due regard” to:

  1. Eliminate discrimination: Ensuring our school is a safe space free from unfair treatment.

  2. Advance equality of opportunity: Making sure every child has what they need to thrive, regardless of their background or needs.

  3. Foster good relations: Building a kind, inclusive community where we understand and value one another.

Note: This statement works alongside the Cheviot Learning Trust’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

Understanding the 9 Protected Characteristics

The law protects people from discrimination based on these nine areas. In our First School setting, we use age-appropriate ways to help our children understand respect for all:

  • Age

  • Disability

  • Gender reassignment

  • Marriage and civil partnership

  • Pregnancy and maternity

  • Race

  • Religion or belief

  • Sex

  • Sexual orientation

Our Equality Objectives 2024–2028

We have set the following goals to ensure Mickley First School remains an inclusive environment for our little learners:

  • SMSC Development: To promote spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development through our curriculum and clubs, helping our pupils become thoughtful, caring citizens.

  • Closing the Gap: To ensure all children achieve their best, with a specific focus on those eligible for Pupil Premium, children with SEND, and Looked After Children.

  • Accessibility: To keep improving our school site so that children, staff, and visitors with disabilities can move around and learn safely and easily.

  • Staff Excellence: To ensure all staff are trained in equality and diversity legislation and understand their role in creating an inclusive classroom.

  • Zero Tolerance: To monitor, record, and take swift action against any incidents of bullying or discrimination, including those related to race, gender, or orientation.

How We Put This Into Action

PSED Duty Our Objectives Strategies & Actions
Advance Equality Close attainment gaps for PP, SEND, and Looked After Children. Quality First Teaching; regular data tracking to spot children needing extra help; inclusive after-school clubs; and supported transitions between year groups.
Foster Good Relations Build a kind community where everyone is valued. PSHE & Assembly themes that celebrate diversity; a strong school council; and a “kindness first” ethos modeled by all staff.
Eliminate Discrimination Ensure staff are trained and the building is accessible. Staff Training (CPL); regular reviews of our Accessibility Plan; and clear “Golden Rules” so children understand why we respect everyone.

Monitoring and Review

Success isn’t just about a policy—it’s about the impact on our children.

  • Annual Report: The Headteacher will provide a written report to the Link Governor every June to review our progress.

  • Governing Body: Our Governors will review this impact and approve any new actions needed to keep our school inclusive.

  • Evidence: We look at our “Closing the Gap” data, attendance at clubs, and our Friendship/Bullying records to ensure we are meeting our goals.