Equality and Diversity

Herne Bay High School is an inclusive school where we focus on the well-being and progress of every child and where all members of our community are of equal worth. 

Our approach to equality is based on the following key principles:

• 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. 
• 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 and sexual behaviour. We believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit here. 
• We foster positive attitudes and relationships. We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect and kindness between groups and communities different from each other. We actively teach these attitudes in relation to disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, belief or faith and sexual orientation and sexual behaviour.
• 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. 
• 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. 
• We have the highest expectations of all our children. We expect that all pupils should recognise, understand, respect and take personal responsible for ensuring they uphold our values and attitude and work collectively to ensure they are maintained at all times
• 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 and the community.

We have a comprehensive Equality policy that describes how the school is meeting these statutory duties and is in line with national guidance. It includes information about how the school is complying with the Public Sector Equality Duty and also provides guidance to staff and outside visitors about our approach to promoting equality.