Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)

The PSED is a duty on public authorities (including schools) to consciously consider how their policies or decisions affect people who share protected characteristics.

Protected characteristics are:

  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex and sexual orientation
  • Age

We give due regard across all the characteristics to:

  • Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation or any other unlawful conduct in the Equality Act 2010.
  • Advance equality of opportunity 
  • Foster good relations

For further information on how we comply with the above, please refer to our Equality Statement (Stowe Valley Policies section).

To meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010, our school is committed to the following equality objectives:

1. Inclusive Curriculum

  • Ensure the curriculum reflects a diverse range of cultures, families, and life experiences.
  • Regularly review teaching materials to ensure representation of different races, religions, abilities, and genders.
  • Provide age-appropriate opportunities for pupils to learn about equality, fairness, and respect.

2. Celebrating Diversity

  • Actively celebrate a range of cultural, religious, and community events throughout the year.
  • Promote understanding of different beliefs and traditions through assemblies, themed weeks, and classroom activities.
  • Encourage pupils to share their own experiences and backgrounds in a safe and supportive environment.

3. Positive School Ethos

  • Foster a school culture where all children feel valued, respected, and included.
  • Promote positive behaviour and challenge stereotypes through our PSHE and wider curriculum.
  • Reinforce our core values (kindness, responsibility, collaboration, curiosity, determination, courage) in all aspects of school life.

4. Supporting Vulnerable and Underrepresented Groups

  • Monitor attainment and progress of different pupil groups (e.g. by gender, SEND, ethnicity) to identify and address gaps.
  • Provide targeted support and interventions to ensure all pupils can achieve their full potential.
  • Ensure reasonable adjustments are made for pupils with disabilities.

5. Eliminating Discrimination and Bullying

  • Maintain a zero-tolerance approach to discriminatory language, bullying, and harassment.
  • Record and respond promptly to any incidents, including those related to protected characteristics.
  • Teach pupils how to recognise and challenge unfairness and prejudice.

6. Engagement with Families and Community

  • Work in partnership with parents and carers from all backgrounds.
  • Ensure communication with families is inclusive and accessible.
  • Build links with the wider community to enrich pupils’ understanding of diversity.

7. Staff Awareness and Training

  • Provide regular training for staff on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Ensure staff understand their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.
  • Promote inclusive practice in teaching, behaviour management, and pastoral care.

8. Promoting Good Relations

  • Encourage positive relationships between pupils from different backgrounds.
  • Plan collaborative activities that develop empathy, teamwork, and mutual respect.
  • Use restorative approaches to resolve conflicts and build understanding.

Updated June 2026