Protected characteristics are specific aspects of a person’s identity defined by the Equality Act 2010. The ‘protection’ relates to protection from discrimination. At Groveside School it is important that all children 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.
We aim to reduce and remove inequalities and barriers that may already exist. No child should be disadvantaged. Curriculum opportunities are planned to show positive role models who have overcome barriers in order to achieve. This could include celebrating athletes who have triumphed over barriers and inequalities and celebrating the work and achievements of individuals from a range of different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and genders who have achieved great successes.
We foster positive attitudes and relationships both inside and outside school. We play an active part in our community and work closely with parents and carers who are invited into school at regular opportunities to share in learning experiences and celebrate achievements.
At Groveside School, we are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and supportive learning environment for every pupil. As part of our holistic curriculum, as well as through Humanities and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), we teach and promote the nine protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
These protected characteristics are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender Reassignment
- Marriage and Civil Partnership
- Pregnancy and Maternity
- Race
- Religion or Belief
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
We promote these in our curriculum and work to embed them into our school community through:
- Our school core ethos and values.
- Groveside School Behaviour Policy.
- Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community.
- Active engagement and communication with parents and carers.
- Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) lessons.
- School assemblies.
- SMSC programme.
- Humanities lessons.
- Promoting articulation by building appropriate language and a coherent vocabulary.
- Educational visits.
- School Council and pupil voice.
- Personal Development programme.
- Promoting British Values in our school life.
- Developing a love of reading and actively promoting a range of authors and genres.
We adapt our curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our pupils, ensuring content is accessible, meaningful and age-appropriate. Through a range of learning experiences, assemblies and discussions, we help pupils understand the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.
We work in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies to reinforce these values across all aspects of school life.
At Groveside School, diversity, equity and inclusion is not just taught — it is lived.
Embedding the Protected Characteristics into the Whole Ethos of Groveside School
At Groveside School, the promotion of the protected characteristics is not limited to lessons alone — it is woven into the very fabric of our school’s ethos and daily life. From the way we model inclusive language and behaviour, to how we celebrate diversity through events, displays and community visits, we ensure that equality and respect are encouraged in every interaction. Staff are trained to recognise and respond to bias, discrimination and exclusion. Through a consistent and whole-school approach, we create a culture where every pupil feels seen, valued and empowered to be themselves.
Self-Esteem, Self-Knowledge and Self-Confidence
We place a strong emphasis on developing our pupils’ self-esteem, helping them to build a sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. At Groveside School, we celebrate achievements of all sizes and encourage pupils to reflect on their own progress and strengths. Activities are designed to support self-knowledge and emotional literacy, helping pupils to understand who they are and to feel proud of their identity.
Understanding That Everyone is Wonderful and Has Different Talents and Attributes
Every pupil at Groveside School is recognised as unique, with their own gifts, challenges and potential. We teach pupils that difference is not only accepted but celebrated. Through class projects, peer learning and inclusive play, pupils learn that everyone has something valuable to contribute and that diverse talents and attributes enrich our school community.
Respect for Democracy and Support for Participation in the Democratic Process
Our pupils are taught the importance of having a voice and being heard. Through school council elections and voting, we help pupils understand how democracy works. Pupils are encouraged to share their views respectfully and to understand how their ideas can influence positive change.
Acceptance of Responsibility and Teaching Pupils to Make Good Choices
Our school Behaviour Policy states we have high expectations of pupil behaviour. This robust policy lays out our expectations and management of behaviour and supports pupils to take responsibility and learn strategies to manage their own behaviour, based on reflection and positive choices rather than punishment.
An Understanding of Equality, Human Rights and Protected Characteristics
Through PSHE and across the curriculum, pupils learn that everyone has the right to be treated fairly and to live free from discrimination. These concepts may be simplified and delivered using experiential learning and supported discussions suited to the needs of each pupil.
An Appreciation that Living Under the Rule of Law Protects Individual Citizens
We teach pupils that laws and rules are in place to keep everyone safe and treated fairly. As appropriate, pupils explore how rules help people live together peacefully and protect their rights. This supports their understanding of social responsibility and personal safety.
Understanding that the Freedom to Choose and Hold Other Faiths and Beliefs is Protected in Law
Groveside School promotes respect for all religions and worldviews. We teach pupils that everyone has the legal right to practice (or not practice) a religion. Lessons and assemblies include opportunities to learn about a range of beliefs and to understand that differences in faith are normal and valuable.
An Acceptance that Other People Having Different Faiths or Beliefs Should Be Tolerated
We make it clear that differences in beliefs or personal choices should never lead to bullying or exclusion. Pupils are supported to be curious, ask respectful questions, and develop empathy for others with different experiences and perspectives.
An Understanding of the Importance of Identifying and Combating Discrimination
Pupils are taught how to recognise discrimination in different forms, and to know what to do if they experience or witness it. We empower pupils to speak up and seek help when they or others are treated unfairly.
Parents Taking an Active Part in Identifying Barriers and Informing School Leaders
We work closely with parents and carers to ensure our approach to equality and inclusion is meaningful and responsive. Through regular communication, feedback and review meetings, parents are encouraged to share their insights on any barriers their pupils face. Their voices help guide school policy, resource planning and staff training so that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through reading
Our school library and reading resources offer opportunity for positive and guided discussion of the protected characteristics. We strive to create a reading culture where pupils can share their opinions and ask questions.