Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination and ensures that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. At High Green Primary School, we believe it is important for children to understand and celebrate diversity, equality and inclusion.

Children are introduced to the nine protected characteristics in an age-appropriate way throughout their time at school. In Key Stage 1, pupils learn about each of the protected characteristics and begin to understand what they mean. In Key Stage 2, these concepts are explored in greater depth through our PSHE (Jigsaw) curriculum, Project Evolve lessons and whole-school assemblies.

By teaching children about protected characteristics, we help them develop respect, empathy and understanding for others, preparing them to be responsible members of society.

To find out more about what protected characteristics are and what they mean, please read below:

The Nine Protected Characteristics

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of any of the following protected characteristics:

disability

gender reassignment

marriage and civil partnership

pregnancy and maternity

race

religion or belief

sexual orientation

These are called protected characteristics.

Age

A person belonging to a particular age (for example 32 year olds) or range of ages (for example 18 to 30 year olds or children, teenagers or older adults).

Disability

A person has a disability if she or he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Gender reassignment

Refers to a person who is transitioning, or has transitioned, from one gender to another.

Marriage and civil partnership

Marriage is a union between a man and a woman or between a same-sex couple.

Same-sex couples can also have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil partnerships'. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably than married couples (except where permitted by the Equality Act).

Pregnancy and maternity

Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.

Race

Refers to the protected characteristic of race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.

Religion and belief

Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief refers to any religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.

Sex

A man or a woman, male or female

Sexual orientation

Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.

Protected Characteristics