We are committed to the development of cohesive communities both within our school’s physical boundaries and within our local, national and global environments. Our school embraces the aim of working together with others to improve children’s educational and well-being outcomes. 

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 schools cannot discriminate against pupils or treat them less favourably because of their sex (gender), race, disability, religion or belief, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or pregnancy or maternity.

Diversity Context 2023 - 2024

Downsway Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school nationally and has 212 children on roll with 52% boys and 48% girls. Males are under represented on the staff, with five males out of a total of 41 current staff.

Our community at Downsway is predominantly White British, with 17% of children from ethnic minority groups and 4% of children with English as an additional language. 7% of our children have a disability. 15% of our children are on the Special Educational Needs Register, of which 34% of those have an EHCP. The proportion of children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) is close to the national average.  The number of children with an EHCP is above national average.

The proportion of children who qualify for Pupil Premium is 8%. The low school deprivation level means that very few of our children comes from homes with high levels of poverty.

Equalities Objectives 2023/24 - 2026/27

The Equality Act 2010 requires us to publish one or more equality objective every four years. We aim to address areas where we need to take action to improve equality and tackle disadvantages. We will regularly review progress made with our equality objectives.

• Vulnerable groups will continue to regularly attend school in line with National expectation – minimum 95% attendance.
• Plan further opportunities to celebrate and raise children’s awareness of equality and diversity.
• Continue to promote equality and a culture of inclusivity; address the needs of any individuals or groups to ensure that all pupils are treated equally and have equal access to opportunities.
• Maintain high standards and expectations of pupil behaviour, including ensuring that any incidences of discriminatory behaviour and bullying are reported, investigated, logged and acted upon in a systematic manner, including discrimination based on race and sexuality.
• Continue to educate pupils about equality issues and the importance of tolerance and understanding, in line with our duties under the Equality Act 2010.