Equality at the Moorland Federation

Our Commitment to Equality

At the Moorland Federation, encompassing eight first and primary schools across rural Exmoor and West Somerset, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued and respected. In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we uphold the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) to ensure equality and eliminate discrimination within our educational community.

Understanding the Public Sector Equality Duty

Introduced in April 2011 under the Equality Act 2010, the PSED mandates that public bodies, including schools, actively promote equality and eliminate discrimination. This duty replaced previous specific duties related to race, disability, and gender equality, streamlining them into a single, comprehensive obligation.

Protected Characteristics

The PSED requires us to have due regard for individuals with the following protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Core Objectives of the PSED

In our daily operations and decision-making processes, we are committed to:

• Eliminating discrimination, harassment, and victimisation: Ensuring that our policies and practices do not disadvantage any individual or group.
• Advancing equality of opportunity: Proactively identifying and addressing barriers that may hinder the participation or achievement of individuals with protected characteristics.
• Fostering good relations: Promoting understanding and respect among all members of our school communities, encouraging a cohesive and supportive environment.

Implementing 'Due Regard' in Our Practices

'Due regard' involves a conscious and thorough consideration of the PSED principles in all aspects of our work. For us this means:

• Integrating equality considerations into policy development and implementation.
• Continuously assessing the impact of our decisions on individuals with protected characteristics.
• Engaging with stakeholders to understand diverse perspectives and needs.

Specific Duties and Our Actions

To comply with the PSED, we undertake the following actions:

• Publishing Equality Information: Annually, we provide accessible information demonstrating how we are meeting our equality obligations, including data on our pupil population and the impact of our policies.
• Setting and Reviewing Equality Objectives: Every four years, we establish clear, measurable objectives aimed at promoting equality and inclusivity across our federation. Progress towards these objectives is monitored and reported regularly.

Our Ongoing Efforts

Across the Moorland Federation, we actively:

• Embed equality principles into our curriculum, ensuring that teaching materials and methods reflect and respect diversity.
• Provide professional development for staff to enhance their understanding and implementation of inclusive practices.
• Engage with parents, carers, and the wider community to promote a shared commitment to equality and inclusion.

‍

‍