Equal Opportunities

Aims

  1. To adopt and make use of the Education Authority’s Equal Opportunity Policy.
  2. To provide equal opportunity of access to all activities for all children and to develop each child’s potential.
  3. To ensure that the children develop a sense of security and self esteem to enable them to have an appreciation of their own and, thereby, everyone’s ‘uniqueness.’
  4. To seek to ‘challenge’ any expression of discrimination and to encourage discussion.
  5. To promote positive attitudes to gender equality, cultural diversity and special needs of any kind.

Method

  1. The school’s philosophy, as promoted by all members of staff, will foster caring and understanding attitudes; regardless of gender, race, religion or social standing.
  2. The philosophy will be reflected in all areas of the curriculum and those areas which specifically explore cultures, religions etc. should be approached with open minds and understanding.
  3. All children will be encouraged to develop their potential in all areas of the curriculum and be given the same experiences regardless of gender.
  4. Where possible, children are presented with resources and learning materials that are not discriminatory.
  5. The Governors and Headteacher will do their best to encourage all staff to develop in their individual careers and, when recruiting staff, will try and ensure a process of advertising, short listing and interviewing which gives equal opportunities to all applicants.
  6. Where and when appropriate, parents will be encouraged to allow their child to participate in all kinds of play and activity. Attitudes and opinions formed in the early years may influence the choice of subjects chosen at Secondary level and even future employment.

Evaluation

  1. Observation of children’s attitudes, questions and comments, etc.
  2. Observation of children’s individual progress, both intellectual and social.
  3. General atmosphere of the school – caring, sharing attitude reflecting the Christian ethos of the school.
  4. Willingness of the children to co-operate with each other and with adults, within and outside the school.