Equality & Diversity
Orchard School Bristol is committed to our duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty 2010, which are to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
- Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
We understand the principle of the Act and the work needed to ensure that those with protected characteristics are respected, not discriminated against and are given equality of opportunity.
Our intention is to eliminate all forms of prejudice and unfair discrimination within and beyond the school community, and actively challenge stereotypes, prejudiced attitudes and unfair discriminatory behaviour.
We are fully committed to inclusive education which enables and supports all students to develop their full potential. We make reasonable adjustments and do our utmost, within available resources, to remove barriers which limit or discourage access to provision and activities. We take positive action to provide encouragement and effective support to individuals and groups whose progress has been limited by protected characteristics, stereotypes and cultural expectations.
We prepare students for life in a diverse society.
We recognise that diversity is a strength to be championed and celebrated.
“Protected characteristics” under the Act covers the groups listed below:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Maternity and pregnancy
- Race
- Religion and belief
- Sexual orientation
- Sex
- Marriage and civil partnership (for employees)
Our Equality and Diversity Strategy is an essential part of our work at Orchard. We agree our Action Plan following feedback from our stakeholders (parents, carers, staff, students. governors and the SEND team). Our Action Plan is monitored and reported to the local governing body and made available here on the website.