_{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}

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging through our 'Kapow Primary' RHSE scheme.

At our school, we believe that every child has the right to feel valued, respected, included and able to belong. Our Kapow RHSE (Relationships, Health and Sex Education) scheme of work plays an important role in developing these values, helping children to understand themselves, appreciate others and contribute positively to our school and wider community.

Celebrating diversity

Kapow’s RHSE curriculum reflects the diversity of modern society. Children encounter a wide range of characters, families, cultures, experiences and perspectives through carefully chosen stories, scenarios and activities. This helps pupils understand that people and families may be different from one another, while sharing many of the same hopes, feelings and experiences. By seeing difference represented positively, children develop curiosity, empathy and respect and learn that there is no single way to be a family, to experience the world or to live a fulfilling life.

Promoting equity and fairness

Our RHSE curriculum helps children recognise what is fair and unfair and understand that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Pupils explore concepts such as equality, rights, responsibilities, stereotypes, discrimination and fairness in ways that are appropriate to their age. Children are encouraged to question unfair assumptions, recognise when someone may be excluded and consider what they can do to make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel welcome. This supports pupils to become thoughtful and responsible members of their communities.

Developing inclusion

Inclusion is woven throughout the Kapow curriculum. Lessons provide opportunities for children to listen to different viewpoints, work collaboratively, communicate respectfully and consider how others may feel.

The scheme also takes account of the needs of pupils with SEND. Lessons include adaptive teaching guidance, scaffolding, clear instructions, multi-sensory approaches and opportunities for both collaborative and independent learning. This helps us to ensure that every child can access learning and participate meaningfully.

Building a sense of belonging

A strong sense of belonging is central to our RHSE teaching. Children learn that they are important members of their families, friendships, school and wider communities. They develop the language and confidence to express their feelings, communicate their needs, establish healthy boundaries and seek help when they need it. Kapow also uses a consistent range of diverse characters and scenarios. This allows pupils to explore sensitive or challenging situations at a safe distance, while recognising themselves and others in the experiences presented. This approach helps children develop empathy and understanding without requiring them to disclose personal experiences.

Challenging stereotypes and discrimination

As children progress through the school, they learn to identify stereotypes and understand how assumptions about people can be unfair or harmful. They are encouraged to treat others with kindness and dignity and to challenge unfairness appropriately. In UKS2, for example, pupils explore protected characteristics, equality and discrimination, including how people can be excluded or treated unfairly because of aspects of who they are. They consider what inclusion looks like in practice and how they can stand up for themselves and others.

Creating an inclusive school community

The values developed through RHSE extend beyond the classroom. Through discussion, collaborative activities and reflection, pupils develop the skills to listen to others, resolve disagreements, respect different perspectives and contribute positively to school life.

Our aim is for every child to leave primary school understanding that difference is something to respect, fairness matters, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, and every person has a part to play in creating a community where everyone belongs.

Kapow’s approach supports this by combining representation, respectful relationships, adaptive teaching and age-appropriate exploration of equality and inclusion throughout the primary years.

Our RHSE curriculum therefore supports our wider commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: helping every child to feel seen, valued, respected and empowered to help others feel the same.