Equality and Inclusion
At Bitterne Church of England Primary School, we believe that every child should feel that they belong, are valued and can succeed.
Our vision, “Together we soar…”, reflects our commitment to growing and flourishing together as a school community. Our Christian values of Hope, Courage and Creativity help shape a welcoming and inclusive school where difference is celebrated, everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and we have high expectations for every child.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. We recognise that equality does not always mean treating everyone in exactly the same way. It means understanding individual needs, removing barriers and providing the right support so that every child can participate fully in learning and in the wider life of our school.
Inclusion in Practice
Our inclusive approach is reflected in our everyday practice. We work to ensure that pupils with SEND learn alongside their peers wherever appropriate, that disadvantaged pupils are supported to overcome barriers to achievement, and that reasonable adjustments are made so that individual needs do not prevent children from accessing opportunities. We regularly consider the achievement, participation and wellbeing of different groups of pupils and use this information to improve our provision. This reflects the commitments within our Equality Information and Objectives Policy.
Learning About and Celebrating Difference
Through The Story Project, Religious Education, Collective Worship and our wider curriculum, children learn about and encounter different cultures, faiths, beliefs, families, identities and experiences. Our curriculum, books and wider opportunities are designed to help children understand the diverse world in which they live and develop respect, compassion and understanding for others. This supports our commitment to fostering positive relationships across our school community.
Our Commitment to Equality
We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, prejudice or bullying. Children are taught to recognise when something is wrong, to speak up and to know that adults will listen and take appropriate action.
Our approach is underpinned by the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. We have due regard to the need to:
- eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other prohibited conduct;
- advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not; and
- foster good relationships between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
We consider equality when making decisions, developing policies and planning opportunities for our pupils, including considering accessibility, individual needs and participation in the full life of the school.
At Bitterne, inclusion means that every child is known, belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.
Policies and Further Information
- Equality Information and Objectives Policy
- Accessibility Plan
- SEND Information Report
- SEND Policy
- Behaviour Policy
- Anti-Bullying information
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- School of Sanctuary