INCLUSION AND EQUALITY POLICY

At The Dear Academy, we are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment for all children and families. We celebrate diversity and actively work to remove barriers to participation and learning. This policy outlines our principles and practices in promoting equality and inclusion.

Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation and statutory guidance:

The Equality Act 2010
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice (2015)
Human Rights Act 1998
Children and Families Act 2014
Public Sector Equality Duty

Aims and Objectives

We aim to:

Ensure all children are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Provide a learning environment where differences are valued and celebrated.
Challenge prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination.
Provide appropriate support to meet individual needs and circumstances.
Involve children and families in shaping inclusive practice.

Forms of Discrimination

We actively oppose all forms of discrimination, including:

Direct discrimination – treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Indirect discrimination – policies or practices that disadvantage particular groups.
Harassment – unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic.
Victimisation – unfair treatment due to involvement in a complaint or concern. Protected characteristics include: age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership.

Inclusive Practice

We foster inclusion through:

Child-centred approaches that value each individual’s identity and voice.
Differentiated learning experiences tailored to individual developmental pathways.
Creating safe spaces for self-expression and identity exploration.
Celebrating a range of cultures, languages, abilities, and family structures.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Children with SEND are supported through a graduated response model. We work closely with families and external professionals to design bespoke support plans, make reasonable adjustments, and ensure full access to the curriculum.

Training and Development

All staff receive regular training on equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to ongoing reflection and development to ensure our practice remains progressive and sensitive to evolving understanding.

Working with Families

We value the lived experiences and contributions of families. Families are invited to share insights, raise concerns, and participate in developing inclusive approaches. Open dialogue is key to ensuring everyone feels seen and supported.

Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or when relevant legislation or guidance changes. Feedback from families, staff, and children informs updates and improvements.

May 2025