Equalities Policies in an Educational Setting
Last updated | 16/10/2008
There are three key Acts that set out the duties of those in the public sector for bringing equality to Scotland. There is an expectation that all schools will prepare appropriate policies on race, disability and gender.
WHAT PURPOSE DO THE ACTS SERVE?
- Meet all pupils' needs and encourage them to achieve their full potential and become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
- Take specific action to tackle any differences between groups due to race, disability or gender in terms of achievement and progress, discipline admission or in assessment.
- Create a positive atmosphere, where there is shared commitment to value and celebrate diversity and respect difference.
- Challenge and prevent racism and discrimination, and promote good relations between people from different groups.
- Make full use of the skills and ideas among people from different groups (eg in the classroom or as members of parental forums and councils).
WHAT SHOULD BE IN AN EDUCATIONAL EQUALITIES POLICY?
Equality policies should be linked to an action plan and could be combined with another policy such as equal opportunities or human rights. However, good practice would suggest race, disability and gender equality have their own separate sections. They should:
- Set out the school commitment to meet the general and specific duties which are complementary but distinct and set out what this means in practice.
- Detail how the school will monitor and assess the policy's/policies' effectiveness
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities
- Explain clearly what the school will do if the policy is not followed
WHAT SHOULD EDUCATIONAL POLICIES COVER
- Pupil's attainment, achievement and progress
- Curriculum, teaching and learning (including language and cultural needs)
- Promoting good relations in the school and in the local community
- Care and assessment
- Staff recruitment and career development
- The school's values
- Pupil behaviour, discipline and exclusion
- Racial harassment and bullying
- Admission and transfer procedures
- Involving parents and the community in the school
- Timetable for reviewing policies (information leading to action if there are adverse outcomes)
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD PRACTICE
- the curriculum promotes access and success for all pupils and reflects cultural and religious diversity
- pupils' progress and achievements are monitored effectively and appropriate steps are taken to ensure that all pupils fulfil their potential
- pupils who are bi-lingual or have English as an additional language have their specific needs met
- all learners have high expecations of themselves and others
- all members of the school community show commitment and contribute to tackling equality issues
- pupils have respect for others and recognise and value diversity
- positive steps are taken to encourage and enable parents to participate in their children's education
- parents and other positive role models from the community are encouraged to share their knowledge, skills and expertise
- young people from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds are representatives in pupil councils and participate in out of school activities
- schools must record, report and take appropriate action to address all racist incidents.
