St Michael with St. Thomas CE Primary School Equality Statement

At St Michael with St. Thomas CE Primary School, we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background, in line with the Equality Act of October 2010. 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 school 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. Through our work in the classroom, we ensure that pupils understand the importance of equality, what forms discrimination can take and the impact discrimination can have. We also seek to foster within our pupils their own commitment to promoting equality.

We demonstrate this through all aspects of school life and in particular through our commitment to every child fulfilling their potential. This commitment applies to our work in the classroom, our pupil support systems, our recruitment and retention of staff and our work in the local and wider community. We consult with all stakeholders, including pupils, parents and staff, through regular feedback opportunities such as questionnaires, parents forum and staff and pupil consultation sessions.

Diversity Context of our school

St Michael with St. Thomas Church of England Primary School is a one form entry, voluntary controlled school. The school is situated in Halton LA which reflects high levels of deprivation; the school location indicator is quintile 1 (least deprived of all schools), however the pupil population index is quintile 4 (more deprived of all schools). The levels of deprivation in school have been steadily rising over the last 5 years.

It is a stable school community with little mobility.

The majority of pupils are white British (2% non W/B), with 36% of pupils in receipt of free school meals, and 41% eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

The attainment of pupils on entry is below age related expectations. This is reflected in Baseline assessments scores.

The percentage of pupils on the SEND Register stands at 25%, which is above the national average.

Our Equality Objectives:

How will the objectives be met?

• Careful monitoring of the performance of groups
• Attendance monitoring of groups half termly and regular support meetings with FSW and parents/carers
• Monitoring and evaluation of the quality of provision for groups of pupils
• Reporting on performance of groups at least termly to the Governing Body

How are we performing in relation to the three aims of the equality duty?

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

We consider we do well against this aim. Our Christian Ethos and Aims support this work as well as our approach to pastoral support and our curriculum which ensures pupils are educated about discrimination and victimisation in its various forms, at an age appropriate level.

• Advance equality of opportunity.

We encourage participation in sport for those with disability through inclusive sports activities and through engagement in residential visits and other activities.

• Foster good relations.

We have a Parents Forum, offer Meet the Teacher and family learning sessions, have an open door approach and also have a senior leader on the playground gate most days. Links with the local community are nurtured eg through the involvement of the PCC in developing the Christian ethos of the school or the group of volunteers from the local allotment working with the school to develop a horticultural team.

St Michael with St. Thomas Primary School, as part of our commitment and prioritisation of Equality for all, have an Equality Scheme and action plan, which can be downloaded below. 

Equality Action Plan and Accessibility Plan