Discrimination
At St Joseph’s, we are committed to creating a school where every child and every adult feels safe, valued and respected. We actively promote equality, celebrate diversity and challenge all forms of discrimination. Our aim is to ensure that all members of our community can learn, work and thrive in an environment built on dignity and mutual respect.
Our Commitment Under the Equality Act 2010
As a public sector organisation, St Joseph’s has a legal duty to promote equality for all. The Public Sector Equality Duty requires us to have due regard for the need to:
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Eliminate discrimination and conduct prohibited by the Equality Act
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Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
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Foster good relations across all protected characteristics
Protected characteristics include: race, disability, sex, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment.
This duty applies to everyone connected with our school: pupils, parents, staff, visitors, governors and the wider community. We take a proactive approach by reviewing policies, removing barriers and ensuring that equality is embedded in all aspects of school life.
Accessibility Plans
In line with the Equality Act 2010, we maintain an Accessibility Plan that sets out how we will continue to improve access for pupils with disabilities. Our plan focuses on:
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Increasing participation in the curriculum
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Improving the physical environment to support access to learning and facilities
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Enhancing the availability of accessible information
We review our plan regularly and ensure appropriate resources are allocated.
Anti‑Bullying: Our Zero‑Tolerance Approach
St Joseph’s is committed to ensuring that no form of bullying is ever tolerated. This includes homophobic, biphobic, transphobic (HBT) bullying and racist bullying. We work closely with pupils, parents and external agencies to ensure that concerns are addressed swiftly and sensitively.
How We Respond
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We challenge all inappropriate language immediately
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Staff receive training to recognise and address HBT bullying
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We support both the child affected and the wider peer group
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Incidents are recorded and monitored
How Parents Can Help
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Talk to your child about how they feel
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Reassure them that speaking up is safe and supported
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Work with school to agree next steps
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Contact senior leaders or governors if concerns persist
Racist Bullying
Racist bullying is defined as:
“Any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person.”
This may include verbal abuse, threats, exclusion, racist graffiti, or encouraging others to behave in a racist way.
Our Responsibilities
Under the Equality Act and Race Relations legislation, we must ensure that pupils do not face racial discrimination or harassment. We:
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Record and monitor all racist incidents
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Take swift action to support the child affected
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Work with families, the Lancashire Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) and, where appropriate, the police
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Promote an inclusive curriculum that celebrates diversity
When to Report
If a parent feels that racist bullying has not been resolved, they may contact the police. Many forces have dedicated school liaison officers or hate‑crime units.
St Joseph’s is a community built on compassion, respect and justice. By working together—pupils, staff, parents and the wider community—we ensure that our school remains a place where every child feels safe, included and able to flourish.