The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
The Equality Act 2010 introduced a single Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) (sometimes also referred to as the ‘general duty’) that applies to public bodies, including maintained schools and Academies. This combined equality duty came into effect in April 2011. It has three main elements. In carrying out their functions, public bodies are required to have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act,
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it,
• Foster good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

Our Commitment to the Equality Act 2010
At Fellside we are fully committed to these key principles as they are representative of our mission to foster warm, welcoming and respectful environments, which allow us to challenge discrimination and inequality, resolve conflicts peacefully and work and learn free from harassment and violence.

We recognise that there are similarities and differences between individuals and groups but we strive to ensure that our differences do not become barriers to participation, access and learning.  We are committed to creating inclusive processes and practices, where the varying needs of individuals and groups are identified and met.  We recognise, therefore, that we cannot achieve equality for all by always treating everyone the same.

We will build on our similarities and seek enrichment from our differences and so promote understanding and learning between and towards others to create cohesive communities.

We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and able to participate fully in school life.

The Promotion of Equality in our Curriculum Provision
Through our curriculum provision, we ensure that pupils understand the importance of embracing diversity and respecting difference. We seek to support our pupils in this vital aspect of their personal development through regular and relevant learning opportunities within our curriculum, including via the following means:

• Ensuring equality of access to opportunities for all pupils, preparing them for the diversity of life in modern Britain and more widely;
• Routinely using resources that accurately reflect the diversity and multi-culturalism of today’s global societies, and ensuring that such resources are without prejudice or discrimination;
• Actively promoting values and attitudes that vehemently challenge any discriminatory behaviour, intolerance or prejudice.

Our Equality Objectives 
The Equality Act 2010 requires schools to publish specific and measurable equality objectives. Our equality objectives focus on those areas where we have agreed to take action to improve and tackle disadvantages. We will regularly review the progress we are making to meet our equality objectives. These will be monitored regularly and renewed every 4 years.

Our current objectives are as follows:

• To ensure the academic and personal success of every pupil, including those from protected groups as set out in the Equality Act 2010, to fulfil their potential and enjoy equal opportunities.
• To educate and nurture pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, cultural and personal development across the curriculum with particular reference to issues of equality and diversity, thereby preparing them well to take their place in society in modern Britain.
• To review levels of pupil engagement in extra-curricular learning, across all activities, to ensure equity and fairness in access and opportunity.