The Equality Act (2010) was introduced to ensure protection from discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of specific characteristics (referred to as protected characteristics). This means that it is unlawful to discriminate against pupils and/or staff or treat them less favourably because of their gender, race, disability, religion or belief, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership or age.
Parkside Community School is committed to meeting its duties and acknowledges that we have a statutory duty to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
• Promote equality of access and opportunity within our school and within our wider community.
• Promote positive attitudes to difference and good relationships between people with different backgrounds, genders, cultures, faiths, abilities and ethnic origins.

Inclusivity is at the core of our practice and we aim to ensure equal opportunities throughout all aspects of our work and activities.

We are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers, irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, religion or socio-economic background.
The Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body review the progress we are making to meet our duties with regard to the protected groups (race, disability, gender, gender re-assignment, age, pregnancy and maternity, marital status, religion and belief) under the Equality Act (2010).

Our Equality Objectives reflect the school’s priorities and draw upon available data and other evidence. Careful analysis of this is undertaken in order to ensure that we are working to achieve improved outcomes for different groups.

Our Equality Objectives for 2020-2021 are:

• To use performance data to monitor pupil achievement and respond to variations between groups of learners, subjects, courses and key stages, trends over time and comparisons with other schools.
• To continue to provide high-quality personalised learning and support for pupils with additional needs.
• To ensure the introduction of new subject specifications at GCSE do not disadvantage vulnerable groups.
• To raise awareness of the diversity in our pupils and staff population through our Anti-Discrimination Programme.
• To raise the awareness and skills of staff to promote fairness, equality and good relations in the context of their role.
• To provide an environment that welcomes, protects and respects diverse people.
• To ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the life of the school.
• To address cultural events through assemblies and the curriculum to increase pupil awareness and understanding of issues in different communities.