Protected Characteristics

What are Protected Characteristics?

In schools, "protected characteristics" refer to specific attributes or traits that are legally protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Everyone in Britain is protected. This is because the Equality Act protects people against discrimination because of the protected characteristics that we all have.

What do we do at WH?

Through our curriculum, enrichment opportunities, pastoral support, and wider school culture, learners are encouraged to:

  • Understand and respect differences

  • Challenge stereotypes and discrimination

  • Develop empathy and tolerance

  • Prepare for life in modern Britain

  • Promote inclusion and equal opportunities for all

Protected characteristics are addressed through explicit teaching, cross-curricular opportunities, assemblies, enrichment activities, pastoral programmes, and everyday classroom practice.

No form of discrimination is tolerated at William Harding School and all members of our school community show respect for those who share the protected characteristics. We work to ensure that our children understand that:

  • There are no outsiders at William Harding School

  • Everyone is different

  • We celebrate our differences

  • We are all equal in our differences

At William Harding School we recognise how important it is that all children gain an understanding of the world that they are growing up in and show respect for a diverse range of people. We want our children to be prepared for their future lives in 21st century Britain. We actively promote the protected characteristics in our curriculum and work to embed them into our ethos.

The teaching of protected characteristics can feel like a very daunting thing for a parent, as some of the content may feel inappropriate for primary age children. However, all content is taught using age-appropriate language and in a child-friendly way to start to teach the children these important concepts that will follow them through life. 

Whole-School Approach

Our curriculum reflects our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through planned curriculum content, enrichment opportunities, and daily interactions, learners are encouraged to value difference, challenge discrimination, and become respectful, informed members of society.

We aim to provide a learning environment where every individual feels represented, respected, safe, and able to achieve their full potential.

We promote protected characteristics through:

  • A broad and balanced curriculum

  • Inclusive teaching resources and representation

  • Behaviour and anti-bullying policies

  • Displays relating to inclusion, diversity and protected characteristics

  • Assemblies and awareness events

  • Pupil voice activities

  • Enrichment and extracurricular opportunities

  • Safeguarding and pastoral support

  • Staff modelling respectful behaviour and language

  • Celebration of diversity and cultural awareness

Staff are encouraged to challenge discriminatory language, behaviour and stereotypes whenever they arise and create an environment where all learners feel safe, valued, and respected.

Our Protected Characteristics Coverage Within the Curriculum document can be found here

Reading

We invested in a wide range of books that support pupils with pastoral needs including bereavement, anger, divorce, friendship issues, confidence and self-esteem, and coping with change.

We have also invested in a range of books that support the teaching of Protected Characteristics. These books support pupils to understand protected characteristics and discriminatory behaviour. These books also provide an opportunity for pupils to see themselves, or others, within literature. It support pupils to understand and empathise with how different people live their lives and promotes our values of respect, inclusion and the British Value of tolerance.

A list of these books is found here.

Curriculum Coverage by Protected Characteristic

1. Age

Learners are encouraged to respect people of all ages and understand the contributions different generations make to society.

Examples Within the Curriculum

  • Discussion of generational experiences in history and English

  • Understanding age-related discrimination in PSHE

  • Work-related learning and employability discussions with the careers FLDs

  • Respect for older and younger members of the community – both within and outside school

  • Intergenerational projects and community engagement opportunities such as singing at the elder care home

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Volunteering curriculum

  • Charity fundraising

  • Guest speakers from different age groups

  • Careers education

2. Disability

The curriculum promotes understanding, inclusion, accessibility, and respect for individuals with disabilities, including visible and non-visible disabilities.

Examples Within the Curriculum

  • Positive representation of disabled individuals in teaching materials

  • Discussion of equality and accessibility across all subjects, including PSHE

  • Study of inspirational disabled figures across subjects e.g. Helen Keller in science

  • Exploration of adaptive technologies and inclusive design

  • Anti-bullying education relating to disability discrimination

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Awareness campaigns e.g. DLD FLDs

  • Inclusive sports activities

  • Visits or talks from disability advocacy organisations or representatives e.g. WheelPower and a Paralympian

  • Support for accessibility initiatives

3. Gender Reassignment

Learners are taught the importance of respect, dignity, and inclusion for all individuals, including transgender and non-binary people.

Examples Within the Curriculum

  • Discussions around identity, respect, and inclusion in all subjects

  • Challenging stereotypes and discriminatory language or behaviour

  • Promotion of safe and respectful relationships

  • Inclusive classroom environments and resources

  • Reinforcement of anti-bullying expectations

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Diversity awareness events

  • Pupil-led inclusion activities and support e.g. Agents of Change supporting pupils following a discriminatory incident

4. Marriage and Civil Partnership

The curriculum promotes respect for different family structures and relationships.

Examples Within the Curriculum

  • Discussion of relationships and commitment in PSHE and RSE

  • Representation of diverse families within curriculum materials

  • Exploration of legal rights and responsibilities

  • Respectful discussion of family diversity

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Family engagement activities

  • Promotion of a range of family types by providing inclusive events e.g. Spring craft afternoon rather than Mother’s Day

5. Pregnancy and Maternity

Learners are taught about respectful attitudes towards pregnancy, parenthood, and family responsibilities.

Examples Within the Curriculum

  • Relationships and sex education within PSHE and RSE

  • Parenting and child development covered within English, science and PSHE

  • Awareness of discrimination and equality rights

  • Supportive attitudes towards young parents and carers

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Health education within FLDs, science and PSHE

  • Family support initiatives such as Keeping the Child in Mind workshops for parents

6. Race

The curriculum actively promotes cultural diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Examples Within the Curriculum

·         Study of diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives e.g. within Black History Month, the life of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and President Obama. We learn about Kensuke in English and Geography looking at cultural beliefs and respect within Japanese culture. Within music and Geography, we explore Swedish culture and global influence.

  • Exploration of historical and contemporary racism

  • Celebration of cultural events and traditions e.g. Us, Community, Culture and the World FLDs and Our Culture day to celebrate diversity within the school

  • Diverse authors, artists, scientists, and historical figures included in learning

  • Promotion of respectful language and behaviour

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Black History Month

  • Cultural celebration events e.g. exploration of cultural celebrations including similarities and differences

  • International themed activities e.g. Our culture days

7. Religion or Belief

Learners are encouraged to respect different faiths, beliefs, and worldviews.

Examples Within the Curriculum

  • Study of world religions and ethical issues in Religious Education

  • Discussion of beliefs and values across curriculum areas

  • Promotion of tolerance and understanding

  • Recognition of religious festivals and traditions

  • Opportunities for reflection and respectful discussion

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Faith and cultural awareness activities

  • Interfaith discussions and assemblies

8. Sex

The curriculum promotes equality between sexes and challenges gender stereotypes.

Examples Within the Curriculum

  • Discussion of equality, rights, and representation

  • Challenging stereotypical career pathways and expectations e.g. We learn about Doe Zantamata in English, the Sufragettes in history, Helen Keller in science, Amelia Earhart in history, Bibi Bhani in RE - appointed as a Sikh leader, Joan Clarke in history - female coder at Bletchley Park and Jane Goodall in Science.

  • Promotion of equal participation in all subjects and activities

  • Teaching around respectful relationships and consent

  • Recognition of contributions from both men and women across the curriculum

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Careers education promoting equality

  • STEM initiatives encouraging participation from all learners such as women in science FLDs

  • Awareness campaigns and assemblies

9. Sexual Orientation

The curriculum promotes respect and inclusion for people of all sexual orientations.

Examples Within the Curriculum

  • Inclusive relationships education

  • Discussion of diversity and respectful relationships

  • Challenging homophobic language and bullying

  • Representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and families where appropriate

  • Promotion of equality and inclusion

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Anti-bullying campaigns

  • Pupil voice and awareness activities

Curriculum Coverage by Subject

English

  • Diverse authors and perspectives

  • Exploration of identity, discrimination, and equality themes

  • Development of empathy through literature and discussion

  • Promoting articulation by building developing oracy and vocabulary

History

  • Study of civil rights movements and social change

  • Exploration of discrimination and equality over time

  • Contributions of diverse individuals and communities

Science

  • Recognition of contributions from diverse scientists

  • Discussion of ethics and accessibility in scientific developments

  • Promotion of equal participation in STEM

Mathematics

  • Inclusive participation and collaborative learning

  • Use of diverse role models where appropriate

  • Development of problem-solving and resilience for all learners

PSHE / RSE

  • Core coverage of relationships, equality, diversity, consent, and inclusion

  • Exploration of rights, responsibilities, and respectful behaviour

  • Promotion of emotional wellbeing and safety

Religious Education

  • Study of different faiths and beliefs

  • Respectful discussion and understanding of diversity

  • Exploration of moral and ethical issues

Physical Education

  • Inclusive participation

  • Respect, teamwork, and fairness

  • Challenging gender stereotypes in sport

  • Sporting competitions, festivals and opportunities

Arts and Creative Subjects

  • Celebration of cultural diversity and identity

  • Exploration of social themes and representation

  • Opportunities for self-expression and inclusion

Assemblies, Events, and Enrichment

Protected characteristics are further promoted through:

  • Assemblies and awareness campaigns

  • Anti-bullying initiatives

  • Mental health and wellbeing activities

  • Cultural celebration events

  • Student leadership opportunities

  • Charity events

  • Guest speakers

  • National awareness days and themed events

  • Our school ethos

  • Our school values - Respect, Collaboration, Responsibility, Inclusion and Honesty

  • Our school behaviour policy

  • Role modelling by all adults

  • Active engagement and communication with parents and carers

  • Promotion of British Values and SMSC

  • Pupil Voice e.g. School Councillors

  • Reading through a range of authors and genres

  • Scientists, historians, artists, poets, engineers and designers who represent the protected characteristics

  • Educational visits

  • Debates that help explore the wider world

  • Our Us, Community, Culture and the World Focused Learning Days

  • Our Focused Learning Days e.g. DLD Day, Black History Month, Careers Days

  • Pupil Leaders e.g. Eco Warriors, House Captains, Sports Leaders, Peer Mentors etc

  • Guest speakers and visitors

  • Extra-curricular activities & after-school clubs

  • Our volunteering curriculum & charity work 

  • Displays and resources demonstrating equality

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

We are committed to ensuring all learners feel safe, respected, and supported.

This includes:

  • Clear reporting systems for discrimination or bullying

  • Safeguarding support and pastoral care

  • Staff training on equality and inclusion

  • Inclusive policies and procedures

  • Promotion of respectful language and behaviour

Any discriminatory behaviour, language, or bullying is challenged promptly and appropriately

Why should WH teach Protected Characteristics?

Schools have a legal obligation to promote equality and tackle discrimination based on these characteristics. We firmly believe that embedding Protected Characteristics into the whole school ethos promotes:

  • Self-esteem, self-knowledge and self-confidence

  • Building respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process

  • Acceptance of responsibility for own behaviours

  • Respect for own and other cultures

  • Understanding of how people can contribute positively to school and to the lives of those living and working in the local community and beyond

  • An understanding of Equality, Human Rights and Protected Characteristics

  • An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

  • An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety of all

  • An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law

  • An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour

  • An understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination

How can I get involved?

If you have any questions or would like to be involved please contact the school office on office@williamharding.school