TEACHER QUOTES What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising generation (Cicero) It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge (Einstein) Education is the guardian genius of democracy. It is the only dictator free men recognise and the only ruler free men require (Lamar) Never try to teach a pig to sing … it wastes your time and annoys the pig (anon)

AGENDA 1)Words, words, words and protected characteristics 2)Dealing with an incident/s in school. 3)The Equalities Act 2010 and implications for schools 4)Ofsted and equalities 5)“Looking at it from a different point of view”

EQUALITY ACT 2010 IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS Equality Act replaced all existing equality legislation such as the Race Relations Act, Disability Discrimination Act and Sex Discrimination Act For the most part for schools, the law doesn’t change too much – discrimination is still illegal in terms of race, sex, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation. All previous discrimination provisions are in the new act and there are some new ones.

EQUALITY ACT 2010 IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS Positive action will allow schools to target measures to alleviate disadvantage for particular groups Schools will still have a legal public duty to eliminate discrimination and advance equality of opportunity It is now unlawful to victimise a child for anything done in relation to the Act by their parent or sibling Unlawful to ask health related questions before job offer unless they are specifically related to an intrinsic function of the role Schools are required to provide auxilliary aids and services for disabled pupils.

EQUALITY ACT 2010 IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) In carrying out their functions, schools must have due regard to the need to: Eliminate discrimination Advance equality of opportunity Foster good relations between groups Includes policies, decision making and impact of decisions

EQUALITY ACT 2010 IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS Specific duties on schools are a)To publish information to demonstrate how they are complying with the PSED b)To prepare and publish equality objectives Schools must have published equality objectives. These should be updated annually. c) Pages of non statutory advice

OFSTED a)Major focus on groups of pupils b)Pupil premium focus – narrowing the gap c)Focus on progress for all groups of pupils – specifically mentions SEN, EAL, disabled and pupils supported through the pupil premium. d)Teaching similar – matched to individual needs

OFSTED Inspectors should be mindful of a school’s obligations under the Equalities Act 2010 and in particular the protected characteristics. Where a school chooses, in exceptional circumstances, to segregate lessons, assemblies and other activities on the basis of, for example, gender or disability, there must be good educational reasons for doing so. (P40 – para 145)

OFSTED From recent inspections, is clearly a key part of the inspection process Surveys/focus groups of attitudes to behaviour – bullying (different types) – how safe the school is - provides very useful evidence. Important to have behaviour logs – useful to define incidents if relevant – racist, homophobic, etc. Important to show actions taken and follow up. Are incidents analysed? Has there been training for staff? Awareness raising and awareness of the law?