Equality Statement

The Governors and staff of Howard Junior School are committed to the principle and practice of equality of opportunity.

We have an inclusive ethos which means all staff, pupils and parents work together to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or social background can thrive.

Our community is predominately white British but we also serve pupils and their families from other backgrounds. Alongside our commitment to valuing the cultural inheritance of all the pupils in the school, the lack of diversity in our immediate area highlights the need to develop our pupils' understanding and appreciation of equality and diversity in both the school and wider British society.

Through our PSHE, RE and Assembles, we ensure our pupils consider and value diversity and celebrate different cultural inheritances, even if they have little direct experience of them.

Pupils are taught to respect and celebrate difference and understand that everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or disability, has equal value. Staff model respect and understanding in all their dealings within school. Empathy and care for others are part of our core values.

EQUALITY STATEMENT – Howard Junior School

September 2023

At Eastern Multi-Academy Trust, equality of opportunity applies to all members of the school community – pupils, staff, governors, parents and community members.

Our equality objectives are based on our analysis of data and other information collected throughout the year.

To ensure that all staff and governors are aware of current legislation relating to equality and diversity and that all governors and staff understand the Trust’s responsibility in this area
To monitor and analyse pupil achievement by race, gender and special educational needs or disability and act on any trends or patterns in the data that require additional support for pupils
To promote cultural understanding and awareness and tolerance of different religious beliefs between different ethnic groups within our academy communities
To raise levels of parental and pupil engagement in learning and academy life, across all activities, including regular attendance to ensure equity and fairness in access and engagement. We will aim to raise aspirations amongst children and parents and raise awareness of career options for all children, challenging gender stereotypes.
To promote mental health awareness and develop appropriate interventions where necessary
Close gaps in progress between all groups of pupils, especially students eligible for the pupil’s premium and others. Ensure rates of progress for
other groups such as pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, looked after children and pupils from minority ethnic groups
are at least good.
Monitor the incidence of the use of homophobic, sexist and racist language by pupils in our academies
To support each academy to annually review, revise and develop the curriculum so that it represents a diverse culture and society and encourages tolerance and respect

Progress towards our objectives:

Consultation with all parents, in preparing RSE (Relationship and Sex Education) resources
Mental Health Support Team assigned to Howard Junior School
Parent Teacher Friends Association was set up to raise funds through school events.
Provision Map used to record Individual Learning Plans for pupils - offering an opportunity to share with pupils and parents.
Ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to access extra-curriculum provision.
Class Dojo is used across the school- 96% of parents on average are engaged. Messages on Class Dojo can be readily translated if required.
Training engaged with NCC to support EAL, refugees and Traveller communities.
Relevant training and monitoring visits are undertaken by trustees.

Steps included in the Academy Development Plan – during 2022-23:

Further development of a knowledge-rich curriculum, using the Primary Knowledge Curriculum.
Increasing opportunities to involve pupil voice in leadership
Setting up and running the school council and eco council to consider wider views and impact on our lives.
SEND Cafés
PTFA is introduced to involve all members of the community in events for all pupils.

Future Actions:

Action	By whom	Due date	Cost	Impact
Introduce parents/staff to the Mental Health Support Team	SENCO	November 2023	Free	Support available for pupils with parental involvement. Opening the school to the wider community.
Develop role of PTFA	PTFA	Ongoing	Free	PTFA to run events throughout the year-movie nights, discos, non-uniform days and wider community events such as Christmas Fair and Bingo.
Introduce pupils/parents to the Family and community hub.	SENCO	December 2023	Free	Links with the wider community developed. Signposting is clearer for parents.
OVERALL IMPACT ON PUPIL OUTCOMES	Community culture improved. Parents/carers feel part of their child’s school and education.