The Independent Grammar School: Durham

 EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & BELONGING (EDB) POLICY

This policy was previously known as the Equal Opportunities Policy.  EDB is now a widely-used term which encompasses equal opportunities.

Equal Opportunities and EDB are about understanding and valuing differences, recognising that individuals have different needs and characteristics, and that all should feel that they belong to our school community on an equal footing with everyone else.

Every student and employee at IGS: Durham has the right to equal treatment irrespective of:

 •           Gender

•           Age

•           Race

•           Religion

•           Political beliefs

•           Differences relating to: domestic or social circumstances; disability; physical appearance; sexuality (e.g. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex - LGBTI).

Every member of our school community is of equal worth and everyone is entitled to be treated with equal respect, courtesy and consideration. This is not only true between students, but also between members of staff, between teachers and students and between teachers and parents. All are welcome and we will exemplify this by providing a welcoming, safe environment for everyone.

We aim to raise awareness, and challenge any instance, of unfair discrimination. We aim actively to promote race and gender equality and the principles of school inclusion. These principles should be adhered to in all aspects of school life: in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities, in sport and through day-to-day interaction inside or outside school.

Our PSHE and Assembly programmes will regularly deal with EDB issues, including the fundamental British Values of liberty and tolerance.  Our regular assembly theme of “Freedom Fighters” will teach about those who have fought for the right of others, including the excluded, marginalised and oppressed.  Teachers will regularly identify other opportunities to stress EDB themes (friendship, anti-bullying etc.) and will note those inputs in their own PSHE logs.

IGS: Durham staff will always look out for and protect the rights of students. This includes keeping them safe from inappropriate influences or risks such as radicalisation (following the government’s Prevent and other programmes).  All staff will undergo relevant training in this area (e.g., by completing Prevent training).  If individuals or groups are conscious of being treated unfairly or not being adequately protected they should seek help (see the School’s safeguarding policy). This policy has regard to the Equality Act 2010. It is an on-going and developing policy and should never be considered static or complete.

IGS: Durham

 April 2018 (Equal Opportunities Policy)

Reviewed March 2020; March 2023 (re-named EDB Policy)

Next Review: March 2025