St Matthew's C.E Primary School

Promoting The Nine Protected Characteristics

Individuals working together to potential with God so “I can do all things because Christ gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

It is important that all children gain an understanding of the world they are growing up in and learn how to live alongside and show respect for a diverse range of people.

The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. There are nine Protected Characteristics:

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Race
5. Religion or belief
6. Marriage or civil partnership
7. Sex/Gender
8. Sexual orientation
9. Pregnancy and maternity

At St Matthew’s, we pride ourselves on having a well-considered approach to the teaching of the protected characteristics. The curriculum is planned and delivered so that our children develop age-appropriate knowledge and understanding of these areas. The document below demonstrates how the Jigsaw PSHEE Curriculum supports the teaching of the nine protected characteristics in an inclusive and children centred way.

Click on the image below

Jigsaw PSHEE Curriculum

Outside of the PSHE curriculum, the Nine Protected Characteristics are actively promoted at St Matthew’s through:

• Our school ethos statement, school development plan (SDP), and school self-evaluation (SEF)
• Our school core values
• Our school behaviour policy
• Assemblies
• British Values themes taught throughout the curriculum and in assemblies
• Discussion within other curriculum subjects
• Promoting articulation by building appropriate language and a coherent vocabulary
• Religious Education (RE) lessons
• RSE lesson
• Sporting, Art and Cultural Events
• Pupil Voice
• Educational visits
• Guest speakers
• Developing links with local, national and international communities
• Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs, charity work and work within the local community