_{Protected characteristics}

^{At Underwood, we teach children that we all have characteristics and that 9 are protected by law.}

^{The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation because of the protected characteristics that we all have.}

^{Under the Equality Act, these are nine protected characteristics:}

^{No form of discrimination is tolerated at Underwood C of E Primary School, and we respect for those who share the protected characteristics.} 

^{The curriculum is planned and delivered so that our pupils develop age appropriate knowledge and understanding during their time at Underwood.} 

^{The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in school through:
•Our school vision and our school improvement work
•Our school core values
•Our school behaviour policy
•Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community
•Active engagement and communication with parents and carers
•Assemblies
•Through ‘Picture News’ which is an educational resource that provides weekly news packs to schools to help children discuss and learn about current events and global issues
•Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) values and improvement work such as our whole school Anti-Racism Education Programme (AREP) sessions
•Relationships, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) ‘Talking Point’ sessions}

^{•Religious Education (RE) lessons and SRE lessons
•Pupil Voice opportunities
•Educational visits
•School council and Diversity Champions
•Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs, charity work and work within the local community}

Talking Points PSHE Scheme

At Underwood, we use the ‘Talking Points’ PSHE scheme which is an educational program that explicitly addresses and promotes the nine protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. The goal is to foster an inclusive environment, challenge stereotypes and ensure pupils understand equality and diversity. ‘Talking Points’ also actively promotes fundamental British Values as a core part of a student's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. The goal is to prepare students for life in modern, diverse Britain by fostering respect, tolerance, and personal responsibility.

How the Talking Points PSHE Scheme integrates these important values

The "Talking Points" scheme, like other recommended PSHE programs, uses age-appropriate lessons to embed the principles of the Equality Act throughout the curriculum. Key talking points include: 

• Challenging stereotypes: Lessons are designed to help students recognise how stereotypes, particularly those based on sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, can cause damage and encourage prejudice.
• Promoting respect and empathy: The curriculum fosters a culture of mutual respect, an appreciation of diversity, and an understanding that everyone is unique and should be treated with dignity.
• Understanding discrimination: Pupils learn what discrimination means, how it can manifest (e.g., bullying, unfair treatment), and their rights and responsibilities regarding equality.
• Developing an inclusive community: The scheme supports the wider school ethos, using assemblies and cross-curricular activities (e.g., in English via diverse texts, in RE) to ensure the message of inclusion is consistent and reinforced. 

By incorporating these points, we aim to equip pupils for life in modern Britain, promoting self-worth, confidence, and a positive contribution to a diverse, multicultural society.