Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Botley

Our Commitment

Every child is entitled to fair access to the curriculum and school life. We aim to ensure that every child and teacher is given an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We are committed to:

• Ensuring equal access: Achieving inclusion for all children while meeting their individual needs.

• Focusing on progress: Using individual progress as the main indicator of success.

• Adapting opportunities: Providing materials and learning opportunities appropriate to every child's interests and abilities, including those learning English as an additional language.

• Avoiding prejudice: Promoting mutual respect and British Values.

DEI Champions

In 2023, Botley School launched a working party of staff and parents to discuss aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We have since established a pupil "DEI Champions" group who meet with the working party to ensure these values are at the centre of school life.
 

This is part of a larger Acer Trust commitment to DEI. As part of this work, pupils from across the trust were interviewed by our CEO, Mr Nathan Thomas, to record two thought-provoking videos:

The Equality Act & Our Duties

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination. As a school, we have a duty to promote equality across the following protected characteristics:

• Age (for staff/parents)

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage or Civil Partnership

• Pregnancy and Maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

Note: While Age is a protected characteristic in the Act, this applies to employment and services, not to pupils of any age in a school.

Our Equality Objectives

All objectives are reviewed annually by the Senior Leadership Team.
 

1. Sex (Gender)

• Objective: To ensure all pupils and staff have equality of opportunities in the classroom, curriculum, and on-site.

• Action: We review the curriculum to ensure a balance of positive role models and ensure clubs are open to all.

2. Race

• Objective: To facilitate open respect for all races represented in the school and wider community.

• Action: British Values and cultural concepts are embedded in the curriculum. Any racist incidents are thoroughly investigated with appropriate educational intervention.

3. Disability

• Objective: To ensure all staff understand disabilities and that reasonable adjustments are made for pupils, staff, and parents.

• Action: Regular reviews of the Accessibility Plan; individual risk assessments and SEND profiles are used to ensure needs are met with equity.

4. Religion and Belief

• Objective: To facilitate open respect for different faiths and beliefs.

• Action: We teach a broad RE curriculum and actively celebrate a diversity of faith events and holidays.

5. Sexual Orientation & Gender Reassignment

• Objective: To ensure everyone is accepted as an individual and knows they belong in an open, supportive environment.

• Action: Regular assemblies on protected characteristics; strict adherence to anti-bullying policies to ensure the school remains a safe space free from homophobia.

6. Pregnancy, Maternity & Age

• Objective: To ensure staff are supported and not subject to discrimination.

• Action: Following Acer Trust policies (Maternity Scheme, Shared Parental Leave) and ensuring recruitment processes are free from age discrimination.