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?

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. 

The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted and taught through:

  • 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

  • Discussion in curriculum subjects

  • Promoting articulation by building developing oracy and vocabulary

  • Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) sessions

  • Religious Education (RE) lessons and RSE lessons

  • Sporting competitions, festivals and opportunities

  • 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

    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