Protected Characteristics
Promoting Equality and Respect at St. Joseph’s
At St. Joseph’s, we are committed to promoting equality, respect, and compassion for all. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is against the law to discriminate against anyone based on protected characteristics, which include the following:
We ensure that every pupil is treated equally and with dignity, and we actively teach about these protected characteristics to help children understand, respect, and value the differences they will encounter, both within our school and in wider society.
Our pupils understand that they belong to a world where they will encounter people with a range of differences. As children of God, they have a responsibility to treat everyone they meet with respect and compassion, upholding the dignity of every human person.
As a Catholic school, our approach is rooted in the belief that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. The dignity of the human person is at the heart of all Church teaching and is central to the way we live, learn, and treat others.
We do not define people by their age, race, gender identity, or any other characteristic. Instead, we focus on upholding the God-given worth of every individual, especially those who may face disadvantage or discrimination.
At St. Joseph’s, discrimination of any kind is never tolerated. Our pupils are taught to show respect for all, and those with protected characteristics are supported to feel safe, included, and that they truly belong.
While schools are not required to teach about every protected characteristic, we believe this learning is vital. We embed age-appropriate teaching about these characteristics across the curriculum, so that every child leaves our school with a deep understanding of equality and a strong sense of responsibility towards others.