Inclusive Education at St Augustine’s

Educational inclusion at St Augustine’s means ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.

We recognise that students arrive at school with different experiences, needs and strengths, and we respond to these differences with care, support and high expectations.

In practice, this means that we do not treat every student in exactly the same way. Instead, we adapt our support and provision so that each student receives what they need to succeed academically, socially, spiritually and personally.

Our pastoral and academic systems are designed to ensure that every student is known, supported and challenged to be the best that they can be.

We pay particular attention to the progress, wellbeing and participation of students who may face additional barriers to learning, including:

• Students eligible for Pupil Premium funding

• Students who enter the school below nationally expected attainment

• Boys or girls where attainment gaps exist

• Students from different cultural, ethnic or faith backgrounds

• Students who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL)

• Students with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)

• Students identified as having particular academic strengths, skills or talents

• Students who may identify as LGBTQ+

• Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children

• Young carers

• Students experiencing family or social challenges

• Students who may be experiencing, or have experienced, trauma in their lives

Through our pastoral systems, teaching and learning practices, and personal development curriculum, we ensure that all students are supported to succeed.

Promoting Equality and Belonging

Equality and respect are embedded throughout the life of the school. This includes:

• A broad and inclusive curriculum that reflects the diversity of modern Britain

• Collective worship and assemblies that promote respect, dignity and understanding

• A strong personal development programme covering equality, diversity, relationships and responsibilities

• Clear systems for reporting and responding to bullying, discrimination or prejudice

• Opportunities for all students to participate in enrichment, leadership and wider school life

• A student development framework that fosters a culture of courageous advocacy

Students also play an important role in shaping our inclusive culture through student leadership opportunities, the School Council and other forums where student voice is valued.

Our Commitment

At St Augustine’s we are committed to:

• Eliminating discrimination, harassment and prejudice

• Promoting understanding and respect between all members of our community

• Ensuring equality of opportunity for all students and staff

• Supporting students so they can flourish academically, socially and spiritually

We review our equality objectives regularly and work in partnership with students, families, governors and the wider community to ensure that our school remains a welcoming and inclusive place for all.

Equality Duty Statement and Plan

St Augustine’s CE High School

This statement outlines how St Augustine’s CE High School meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The purpose of this statement is to ensure that equality and inclusion are embedded in our policies, practices and culture, and that we continue to improve outcomes for all members of our community.

The General Equality Duty

Schools must have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation

• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

These duties guide how we develop policies, make decisions and deliver education within the school.

The protected characteristics defined within the Equality Act are:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

Our Approach at St Augustine’s

At St Augustine’s we view equality not only as a legal responsibility but as an essential part of our Christian mission.

Our aim is to ensure that every student and staff member feels safe, respected and supported, and that differences within our community are understood and valued.

We regularly review school data, student voice, attendance, behaviour and academic outcomes to identify whether any groups of students may be disadvantaged and to ensure that appropriate support is in place.

Monitoring and Review

Equality information is gathered through:

• Student progress and attainment data

• Behaviour and safeguarding records

• Attendance and engagement data

• Student voice and surveys

• Parent, staff and community feedback

This information helps us identify priorities and evaluate the effectiveness of our work in promoting equality.

Equality information is reviewed annually, and equality objectives are reviewed at least every four years in line with statutory guidance.

Roles and Responsibilities

Governing Body

The Governing Body ensures that the school complies with equality legislation and monitors progress towards equality objectives.

A nominated governor has specific oversight of equality and inclusion within the school.

Head of Federation, Head of School and Senior Leaders

The Head of Federation, Head of School and Senior Leadership Team are responsible for implementing equality objectives and ensuring that:

• Staff understand their responsibilities in relation to equality

• Training is provided where needed

• Appropriate action is taken where discrimination or prejudice occurs

• Reasonable adjustments are made for students, staff, parents and visitors with disabilities

Staff

All staff are responsible for promoting equality through their daily work. This includes:

• Creating inclusive classrooms

• Challenging prejudice or discrimination

• Supporting positive relationships between students

• Ensuring that all students can access learning

• Applying behaviour support strategies grounded in trauma informed practice

Students

Students are expected to:

• Treat others with respect, kindness and dignity

• Follow school policies and expectations

• Report incidents of bullying, discrimination or harassment

Students contribute to the development of equality and inclusion within the school through student leadership opportunities and student voice forums.

Key Equality Priorities at St Augustine’s

Our current equality priorities include:

Promoting a culture of respect and belonging

Through collective worship, assemblies and the personal development curriculum we teach students about diversity, equality and the importance of treating others with dignity.

Ensuring all students can achieve

We closely monitor the progress of all groups of students and provide targeted support where needed to ensure strong outcomes for everyone.

Supporting vulnerable students

Pastoral teams work closely with students who may face additional challenges, including those with SEND, young carers, and students experiencing social or emotional difficulties.

Encouraging participation in school life

We ensure that all students can access enrichment activities, leadership opportunities, educational visits and wider school experiences.

Responding effectively to discrimination

Any incidents of discrimination, bullying or harassment are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and addressed promptly in line with the school’s Behaviour for Learning Policy.