Compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty

At Holme-upon-Spalding Moor Primary School (HOSM) we comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) by integrating statutory requirements into our school culture, curriculum, and policies. As a public body, the school is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

The school demonstrates compliance through several key frameworks and practical applications:

1. Eliminating Discrimination

    • Policy Framework: The school maintains a robust Equality Policy and an Accessibility Plan (updated in line with Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010) to ensure pupils with disabilities are not treated less favourably.

    • Behavior and Safety: Using the T.R.A.C.K. values (Teamwork, Resilience, Ambition, Consideration, Kindness), the school addresses bullying and prejudice-based incidents

    • The Den: Recent implementation of "The Den" provides a specific nurtured space for pupils with SEND, ensuring they have equitable access to a safe learning environment.

 

2. Advancing Equality of Opportunity

  • Curriculum Adaptation: The school employs "Quality First Teaching" and "The Universal Offer" to adapt the National Curriculum for all learners, including those with SEND and those eligible for the Pupil Premium Grant.
  • Narrowing the Gap: Use of additional funding is focused on 1:1 support and small-group interventions to ensure disadvantaged pupils achieve at the same rate as their peers.

  • Accessibility: The school works to remove physical and academic barriers, ensuring information is provided in varied formats (e.g., hand-outs, digital access) to meet diverse needs.

     

3. Fostering Good Relations

  • British Values: Democracy, Individual Liberty, and Mutual Respect are integrated into PSHE and RE lessons to help pupils understand their role in a diverse society.

  • Community Engagement: The school maintains strong links with parents and the local community, using surveys and an open-door policy to ensure all families feel valued.

Equality Objectives (2024–2027)

To further enhance equality and address areas for development identified in recent evaluations, the following four objectives have been designed:

Objective 1: Enhancing Awareness of Protected Characteristics

Goal: To broaden pupils’ understanding of the 9 protected characteristics to reduce the use of potentially discriminatory language.

  • Action: Audit and update the PSHE and assembly calendar to explicitly cover age-appropriate topics such as diverse family structures, disability awareness, and gender stereotypes.
  • Impact: Pupils will demonstrate a higher level of respect and use more inclusive language in social interactions.

Objective 2: Diversifying the Curriculum Beyond the Local Context

Goal: To provide pupils with greater exposure to a wider variety of cultures, faiths, and worldviews outside of their immediate rural locality.

  • Action: Integrate "Global Citizenship" projects into Geography and History, and increase the frequency of visits or virtual workshops from diverse community leaders and religious representatives.
  • Impact: A measurable increase in pupil confidence when discussing different global cultures and religious practices.

Objective 3: Closing the Attendance Gap for Vulnerable Groups

Goal: To reduce the rate of persistent absenteeism among pupils with SEND and those eligible for Pupil Premium.

  • Action: Implement a targeted "Attendance Support Plan" that includes early intervention meetings with families and bespoke incentives for improved attendance.
  • Impact: Attendance for these vulnerable groups will align more closely with the national average, ensuring they do not miss vital learning opportunities.

Objective 4: Improving Accessibility of Information

Goal: To ensure all school communications (newsletters, reports, and website updates) are fully accessible to parents and carers with EAL (English as an Additional Language) or disabilities.

  • Action: Ensure all digital documents are "Screen Reader" friendly, providing alternative formats as standard.
  • Impact: Increased engagement from all sectors of the parent body, ensuring no family is excluded from school life due to communication barriers.
These objectives are reviewed annually to ensure progress is tracked and published as part of the school's statutory reporting duties.