Protected Characteristics
Equality, Respect and Inclusion at Northleaze
At Northleaze CofE Primary School, we are committed to creating a nurturing community in which every child feels valued, respected and able to flourish.
Our Christian vision, “Let your Light Shine”, underpins everything we do. It reminds us that each person is unique and has gifts, strengths and talents to share. We aim to ensure that all members of our community are treated with dignity and kindness, and that differences are understood, respected and celebrated.
What are Protected Characteristics?
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination based on certain characteristics. These are known as protected characteristics:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
At Northleaze, we help children develop an understanding of these in an age-appropriate and sensitive way, so that they grow up with empathy, respect and confidence in a diverse world.
Our Values in Action
Our six core values shape how we live and learn together:
- Responsibility – making good choices and standing up for what is right
- Creativity – thinking openly, exploring ideas and appreciating new perspectives
- Respect – valuing differences and treating everyone with dignity
- Compassion – caring for others and understanding how they feel
- Resilience – learning to respond positively to challenges and difference
- Friendship – building positive relationships with people from all backgrounds
These values help children to understand and embody fairness, inclusion and equality in everyday life.
Why this matters
We believe that learning about equality, diversity and inclusion helps children to:
- build strong, respectful relationships
- understand and value difference
- recognise and challenge unfairness
- develop confidence in who they are
- grow into thoughtful and responsible citizens
This is central to our vision of enabling every child to “let their light shine”.
How we teach this at Northleaze
Understanding equality and protected characteristics is woven through the life of the school, rather than taught in isolation.
Our School Vision and Values
Our vision and values are lived out daily in:
- classroom relationships
- behaviour expectations
- how we speak to and treat one another
- the way we celebrate individuality and achievement
Jigsaw (PSHE Curriculum)
Through our Jigsaw programme, children develop understanding of:
- relationships and families
- respecting differences
- identity and belonging
- emotional wellbeing
Learning is carefully sequenced to ensure children develop knowledge in a progressive and age-appropriate way.
Collective Worship
Our collective worship provides regular opportunities for reflection on:
- compassion, fairness and justice
- respect for others
- inclusion and belonging
- making positive choices
Children are encouraged to think deeply about how they can live out our values in their daily lives.
Picture News
Picture News supports children to engage with the world around them by:
- exploring real-life events and issues
- discussing fairness, equality and diversity
- listening to different viewpoints
- developing respectful discussion skills
This helps children apply their understanding in meaningful, real-world contexts.
Across the Curriculum
We further develop understanding through:
- RE – learning about different beliefs and traditions
- English – exploring diverse stories and perspectives
- History and Geography – understanding different cultures and communities
- Assemblies and themed events – celebrating diversity and inclusion
Working in Partnership with Parents
We recognise that some aspects of this learning may raise questions for parents and carers.
At Northleaze:
- all learning is age-appropriate
- discussions are rooted in respect, kindness and understanding
- we work in partnership with families
If you would like to know more about what your child is learning, please speak to your child’s teacher.
Our Commitment
At Northleaze, we are proud to be a school where:
- everyone is welcomed and valued
- diversity is celebrated
- discrimination is not tolerated
- children are supported to be themselves
We want every child to feel confident, respected and able to thrive — and to let their light shine.
