Public Sector Equality Duty at Forest Academy

At Forest Academy, we are proud to be part of the Inspire Partnership, a trust deeply committed to equity, inclusion and anti-racism. As part of our statutory duty under the Equality Act 2010, we 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 of all backgrounds

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Forest Academy is a fully inclusive school, where we celebrate diversity and place equity at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every member of our community—pupils, families, and staff—is of equal worth, and we are committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive, achieve and feel a strong sense of belonging.

We uphold the Inspire Partnership’s anti-racism and equality pledge, and work to ensure our curriculum, relationships and leadership reflect and celebrate the diverse stories, cultures and identities of our community.

Our Approach to Equality Is Guided by These Principles:

1. All learners are of equal value
   We treat every pupil as an individual, with equal access to opportunity and success.

2. We recognise and respect difference
   We celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, identities and experiences in our school community.

3. We foster positive relationships and a sense of belonging
   Through inclusive practices and high-quality relationships, we build a connected, respectful school culture.

4. We practice fairness in recruitment, retention and development of staff
   Equality of opportunity extends to our workforce and leadership pipeline.

5. We reduce barriers and challenge disadvantage
   We actively work to identify and remove systemic obstacles to achievement or wellbeing.

6. We have high expectations of all our children
   Every pupil can succeed with the right support, guidance and challenge.

---

Meeting the Needs of All Learners

We gather and use information to monitor the impact of our work on groups including:

• Pupils with protected characteristics (as defined by the Equality Act 2010):
  Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

• Other groups we monitor include:
  Pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)
  Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
  Pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL)
  Young carers
  Looked after children
  Pupils from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds

---

How We Eliminate Discrimination

We take a proactive approach to inclusion by:

• Embedding inclusive values through our curriculum and school culture

• Upholding a robust anti-bullying and behaviour policy, including recording and responding to all prejudicial incidents

• Providing high-quality teaching for all pupils, with carefully differentiated support and challenge

• Regularly monitoring progress and attainment to address gaps and intervene early

• Ensuring all pupils can access enrichment opportunities

• Listening closely to pupil, staff and parent voice in all aspects of school life

• Conducting regular audits of equality and inclusion practice across the school

---

How We Advance Equality of Opportunity

We ensure that all children, regardless of background or need:

• Receive timely and appropriate support to help them make excellent progress

• Are reflected and represented in the curriculum

• Can fully participate in the life of the school and access leadership and enrichment opportunities

• Are supported through early intervention, SEND provision, and equitable access to resources

• Benefit from targeted initiatives such as Croydon Locality SEND Support, pupil premium funding, and inclusive enrichment

---

How We Foster Good Relations

At Forest Academy, we:

• Promote diversity and equality through assemblies, curriculum topics and events

• Celebrate the cultures, identities and faiths of all pupils and families

• Provide opportunities for pupils to become active citizens and leaders in their community

• Facilitate open conversations, restorative practices and respectful dialogue

• Actively challenge stereotypes and prejudice in all forms

---

For further information about our equality objectives or to speak to a member of the leadership team, please contact the school office or speak with our SENDCo/Inclusion Lead.