Protected Characteristics
At Highfields Primary Academy, we are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive school where every child is valued, respected and supported to achieve their full potential. We believe that every member of our school community should feel safe, celebrated and included, regardless of their background, beliefs or circumstances.
As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we actively promote understanding and respect for the Protected Characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010. Through our curriculum, values and wider school life, we help children develop the knowledge, understanding and empathy needed to thrive in modern Britain.
What are Protected Characteristics?
The Equality Act 2010 identifies nine Protected Characteristics:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
These characteristics are protected by law to ensure everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
At Highfields Primary Academy, we teach children that difference should be celebrated, kindness should always be shown, and everyone has the right to belong.
How We Promote Protected Characteristics
We promote equality and respect in an age-appropriate way throughout school life.
Through Our Curriculum
Children learn about diversity, equality and inclusion through:
- PSHE
- RE
- Assemblies
- Reading diverse texts and stories
- Learning about significant people from a range of backgrounds
- Exploring different cultures, traditions and celebrations
- Anti-bullying education
- British Values
These opportunities help pupils understand that families, communities and experiences may look different – and that these differences enrich our world.
Through Our School Community
At Highfields Primary Academy, we encourage children to:
- value and respect others
- challenge stereotypes
- show empathy and understanding
- speak out against bullying and discrimination
- celebrate diversity within our school and wider community
- recognise that everyone is unique and important
Age-Appropriate Learning
Protected Characteristics are taught sensitively and appropriately according to pupils’ age and stage of development.
In primary school, this learning focuses on helping children understand:
- that families may be different, but all families are important
- that people may hold different beliefs and traditions
- that everyone deserves fairness and respect
- that unkindness, prejudice and discrimination are unacceptable
- that inclusion makes our community stronger
Our Commitment
At Highfields Primary Academy, we are committed to building a culture where everyone feels welcome and every child knows they belong. We celebrate diversity, actively promote equality, and expect respect in all aspects of school life. Kindness is at the heart of everything we do, helping us create a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment in which every member of our school community can thrive
By promoting Protected Characteristics, we prepare our pupils to become respectful, compassionate and responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.