--- title: "Protected Characteristics" url: "https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/protected-characteristics" school: "High Green Primary School" --- [ ![High Green Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/high-green-primary-school/images/logo/high-green-website-menu-at-top-01-logoc(1).jpeg) ](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/) # Protected Characteristics ## 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: - age - disability - gender reassignment - marriage and civil partnership - pregnancy and maternity - race - religion or belief - sex - 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. ### Key Information - [School Uniform](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/school-uniform) - [School Lunch Menu](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/school-lunch-menu) - [Free School Meals](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/free-school-meals) - [Term Dates](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/termdates) - [Term Time Leave](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/term-time-leave) - [Ofsted](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/our-school/ofsted-report) - [SEN](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/sen) - [School Forms](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/school-forms) - [School Information](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/school-information) - [School Admissions](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/school-admissions) - [Transition Booklets](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/transition-booklets) - [Protected Characteristics ](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/protected-characteristics) - [Job Vacancies](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/job-vacancies) - [Useful Links](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/statutory-information/policies/key-information/useful-links) ### Contact Us **High Green Primary School** Wortley Road Sheffield S35 4LU Tel: 0114 2848264 ### Useful Links - [Contact Us](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/contact) - [Calendar](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/calendar) - [Query Contact](https://highgreenprimary.co.uk/contact) ### Sign Up For Newsletter [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1292773837491163) © Copyright 2021–2026 High Green Primary School. 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