Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
What is Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
The PSED was introduced by the Equality Act 2010 and applies to all schools, including maintained and independent schools, academies, maintained nursery schools and maintained and non-maintained special schools.
The PSED has three main elements:
These are:
Eliminating discrimination and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
Advancing equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
Fostering good relations across all characteristics - between people who do share a protected characteristic and people who do not
What are protected characteristics?
There are 9 protected characteristics:
Age
Sex
Race including colour, nationality, ethnicity or national origin
Disability
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
Gender reassignment
Pregnancy or maternity
Marriage or civil partnership
Age as a protected characteristic does not apply to pupils in schools, so pupils will be treated in ways appropriate to their age and stage of development.
How Hartford elminates discrimination:
Policies in place to cover anti-bullying, behaviour, staff pay and appraisal
Governor meeting minutes show equality is discussed and relevant actions taken
Equality issues are recorded and presented to governors, with relevant action taken
Single equality objectives are identified and published. Action are embedded into school development plans as appropriate
How Hartford advances equality and opportunity:
Safer recruitment processes are in place, including panel selection and decision making that is removed from the 9 protected characteristics
Attainment data reviews different pupiul groups e.g gender, EAL and disadvantage. Relevant actions for specific pupil groups are built into action plans and school development
Bullying incidents are recorded via cpoms and presented to governors, which shows very low incidence of bullying overall, but also specifically related to a protected characteristic
Accessibility plans in place, with adaptation for those with a disability e.g. disabled toilet access for pupils and adults
How Hartford fosters good relations:
Relationships with parents fostered through clear, regular communications by letter and parents evenings. This includes ad-hoc welcome meetings and individual meetings and/or discussions with parents where there is an additional need.
Through our core values of Respect, Responsbility, Aspirtation and Pride. Respect impacts the language and approaches used to build rapport with children and our community.
Assemblies are used to promote diversity, friendship and understanding of a range of religions and cultures.
By making collaboration and community a priority for school development and governor strategy.
Please see our Polcies Page to view our Trust Equality Statement
Our Equality Objectives 2026–2030
At Hartford Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child is included, valued and able to succeed.
Our equality objectives for 2026–2030 are:
1. Improve outcomes for all pupils
To identify and reduce any differences in achievement, attendance or participation between different groups of pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND.
We will: monitor outcomes for different groups and take appropriate action where gaps are identified.
2. Promote equality, diversity and belonging
To ensure that our curriculum, school environment and wider opportunities reflect and celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes and promote respect for everyone.
We will: regularly review our curriculum and resources and ensure pupils learn about a diverse range of people, cultures, families and experiences.
3. Ensure equal access to school opportunities
To ensure that all pupils have fair access to clubs, trips, residential visits, leadership opportunities and wider school experiences.
We will: monitor participation and work to remove financial, physical or other barriers that may prevent pupils from taking part.
These objectives will be reviewed annually and formally refreshed by 2030.