Ribblesdale School is an inclusive school in which we focus on the wellbeing and progress of every child and where all members of our community are of equal worth. We welcome our duties under the equality Act 2010 and believe that it provides a framework to support our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality and fostering good relationships between people. It also ensures that we continue to tackle issues of disadvantage and the underachievement of different groups.  

We aim to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity, and eradicating prejudicial incidents for pupils and staff. Our school is committed to not only eliminating discrimination, but also increasing understanding and appreciation of diversity.  

Our approach to equality is based on the following 7 key principles that aim to eradicate discrimination  

1. All learners are of equal value, whether or not they are disabled, whatever their ethnicity, culture, national origin, or national status, whatever their gender and gender identity, whatever their religious or non-religious affiliation or faith background and whatever their sexual orientation. 
2. We recognise, respect and value difference and understand that diversity is a strength. We take account of differences and strive to remove barriers and disadvantages which people may face, in relation to disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, belief or faith and sexual orientation. We believe that diversity should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach, and visit here. 
3. Through the Ribblesdale Way, we foster successful relationships. We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect between groups and communities who are different from each other. 
4. We foster a shared sense of cohesion and belonging. We want all members of our school community to feel a sense of belonging within the school and wider community and to feel that they are respected and able to participate fully in school life. 
5. We observe good equalities practice for our staff. We ensure that policies and procedures benefit all employees and potential employees in all aspects of their work, including in recruitment and promotion, and in continuing professional development. 
6. We ensure that we provide an inclusive curriculum that enables us to have the highest expectations of all our children. We believe that all pupils can achieve to their highest potential with the right support and opportunities in place. 
7. We work to raise standards for all pupils, but especially for the most vulnerable. We believe that improving the quality of education for the most vulnerable groups of pupils raises standards across the whole school. 

We also believe that a greater level of success from pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals. Creating an inclusive environment in which individuals feel confident and at ease is a commitment of the school. This environment will be achieved by promoting the Ribblesdale Way: 

• Respect 
• Inspire  
• Be Kind 
• Be Proud 
• Invest in learning 
• Excel 

We are committed to having a balanced, diverse and inclusive curriculum and believe that our pupils should be exposed to ideas and concepts that may challenge their understanding (to help pupils learn to become more accepting and inclusive of others). Challenging and controversial concepts will be delivered in a way that prevents discrimination and promotes inclusive attitudes.  

Please see also the schools Equality Information and Objectives policy. You can find this on our Policies page.