"West Lothian Council is committed to tackling discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and promoting good relations both in our workforce and community. Mainstreaming equality is the process by which we will work towards achieving this as an organisation. Our objective in mainstreaming equality is to integrate an equality and human rights perspective into the everyday work of the council, involving managers and policy makers across all council services, as well as equality specialists and community planning partners to ensure that 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do." 

(Foreword, WLC Equality and Diversity Framework 2021-2025).

Education is integral within this Framework with Outcomes as follows:

     Pupils have a greater sense of belonging and safety in schools

     Better mental health and wellbeing of pupils

https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/media/49021/Equality-Mainstreaming-and-Equality-Outcomes-Framework-2021-2025/pdf/Equality-Mainstreaming-and-Equality-Outcomes-Framework-2021-2025.pdf?m=637575321553170000

Our children and young people live in a diverse society and Linlithgow Academy's Equality and Diversity Strategy is committed to creating an environment for the whole school community that demonstrates shared values of inclusion, equality, fairness and respect, with good mental health at the heart of this.

Linlithgow Academy recognises aims to celebrate difference within a culture of respect and fairness, and to meet the needs of every child in line with the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). We work together with our children and young people, families and staff to ensure that inclusion and equality are part of all our activities. 

The UNCRC, article 2 (non-discrimination) states:

"The Convention applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, sex, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background."

We are committed to the Equality Act 2010 to protect our school community from discrimination. As well as protecting our school community from unfair treatment, we also aim to promote a fair and more equal society.

Section 149² of the Equality Act 2010 Act:

"Eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation; advancing equality of opportunity; and fostering good relations between persons who share a protected characteristic and those who do not."

We are committed to meeting the statutory duties of the Equality Act 2010 and this strategy details our approach to promoting equality and diversity.  We recognise the importance of discriminating against the nine protected characteristics:

     Age

     Disability

     Gender reassignment

     Marriage and civil partnership

     Pregnancy and maternity

     Race

     Religion or belief

     Sex

     Sexual orientation

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of a protected characteristic.

This strategy is intrinsically linked to our Anti-Bullying Strategy April 2022.

Linlithgow Academy is committed to the following:

     We include and respect everyone in our community

     We are aware of diversity and promote positive attitudes and behaviours

     We promote and understand equality and diversity through our curriculum

     We commit to, and support our community under the Equality Act 2010

Roles and responsibilities within our school community:

•      Treat colleagues, young people and visitors with dignity and respect; and avoid behaving in any manner that may give rise to claims of discrimination, harassment or victimisation
•      Support and participate in any measures introduced to promote equality and diversity
•      Take 'all reasonable steps' to prevent discrimination, harassment and victimisation from taking place;
•      Actively challenge discrimination and disadvantage
•      Report any issues associated with equality and diversity in accordance with this strategy

Our Equality & Diversity Pledge:

     EVERYONE is RESPECTED

     EVERYONE is SUPPORTED

     EVERYONE is CELEBRATED

In the Equality Act 2010, nine characteristics were identified as 'protected characteristics'. These are the characteristics where evidence shows there is still significant discrimination in employment, provision of goods and services and access to services such as education and health.

(Dundee University 2022)

Linlithgow Academy seek to ensure that no one within the school community is subject to any of the following:

We continue to promote an ethos of "Speak Up and Report" and where any of the above occurs, we strongly encourage all within our school community to challenge, report or complete a self-referral form via the school website.  This would then result in the form of action in line with our Anti-Bullying Strategy procedures. 

http://www.linlithgowacademy.org/article/73526/Anti-Bullying-Self-Referral-Form

A hate crime can take a number of forms that are potentially criminal and should be treated as such. Adults, children and young people can seek appropriate advice and guidance from Police Scotland if they feel a hate crime may have taken place.

Supporting Equality & Diversity

Considering all Protected Characteristics and the UNCRC, Linlithgow Academy will work to:

•      Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation for all
•      Promote and maintain equality of opportunity for all
•      Promote and maintain good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic, and persons who do not share it
•      Promote awareness and acceptance of the diverse community we are part of

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

•      All learners are of equal value irrespective of disability, race, gender and gender identity, religious or belief, or sexual orientation. However, this does not mean we treat everyone the same, sometimes it means giving people extra help so that they have the same opportunities and outcomes as others.

•      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 and gender identity, religion, belief or faith and sexual orientation.

•      We actively promote positive attitudes and mutual respect between groups and communities different from each other to further build relationships.

•      We want all members of our school community to feel a sense of inclusion and belonging within the school and wider community and to feel that they are respected and able to participate fully in school life.

•      We have the highest expectations of all our children. We expect that all pupils can make good progress and achieve/attain to their highest potential.

•      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.

•      We tackle negative prejudice and stereotyping.  We challenge and report all incidents of prejudice based bullying, for example racist, homophobic or bullying of people because of a disability. We will also challenge gender-based and other stereotypes.

•      We make reasonable adjustments for pupils requiring additional support (Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, as amended by the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009¹ and Accessibility strategies (The Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Educational Records) (Scotland) Act 2002).

Throughout the school year we endeavour to undertake a range of activities which contribute to our Equality & Diversity strategy:

     Our Equality & Diversity pledge has a central focus in all areas of the school and this is displayed prominently for all to see in classrooms, alongside our Anti-Bullying pledge.

Pupils are represented across the school as part of the Equality & Diversity group who form a committee within the school Pupil Parliament.  This group were instrumental in drafting the current strategy and pledge and discussing issues regarding/promoting equality and diversity across the year.

Termly Health and Wellbeing Check-ins which gather pupil views related to GIRFEC SHANARRI indicators Senior pupils are trained each year as Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) and deliver key sessions across all years in PSE to empower pupils to safely speak out against all forms of violence from rape and sexual harassment to bullying and abusive behaviour. 

Key to the training and delivery of sessions is to discourage the bystander effect and promote our school "Speak up and Report" approach.

Senior pupils are encouraged to actively contribute to our supportive ethos by being buddies to S1 pupils, prefects and coaching for improvement mentors. These positions of responsibility strengthen relationship building and provide opportunities for mediation.

 The PSE curriculum offers learners opportunities to explore equality and diversity as part of the Citizenship and Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) blocks.

 Annually, we will participate in awareness raising events which are then explored further in PSE and whole-school activities across the identified month/week. 

 Weekly positive shout outs, advertised on our screens within the social areas of the school.  This enhances our equality and diversity culture by celebrating kindness and positive messages across the school on a weekly basis.  Pupils and staff have the opportunity to contribute through a QR code or Microsoft Form which are then uploaded weekly via a PowerPoint presentation.

 Inset training to ensure all staff are aware of their role and responsibilities in supporting equality and diversity.

In addition, we will consistently strive to:

•      Encourage inclusion and value diversity
•      Challenge inappropriate behaviour
•      Promote positive behaviour through our Behaviour Blueprint
•      Deal with all forms of bullying (through Anti-Bullying Strategy April 2022)
•      Deal with all forms of discrimination
•      Support to improve pupils' self-esteem and resilience
•      Ensure that pupils have the opportunity to raise and discuss any matters which are troubling them by ensuring all young people have access to a trusted adult
•      Raise awareness/profile of support staff
•      Encourage pupils to resolve personal animosities and tensions through conflict resolution, mediation, and restorative practice
•      Create safe spaces within the school environment
•      Trauma informed practice is developed within our school based on the Five Guiding Principles of; safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment.

The Head Teacher/Depute Head Teacher (Support) will ensure that:

     The strategy is fully implemented and promoted, and all staff are aware of their responsibilities and are given appropriate training and support

     Appropriate action is taken in any cases of unlawful discrimination

     All prejudice-based bullying incidents are recorded and that appropriate action is taken

     Take a lead role in the school's self-evaluation procedures and staff development for equality, diversity and inclusion

The Equality and Diversity Co-ordinator will:

     Develop and maintain up to date knowledge of equality law and best practice

     Co-ordinate the implementation of the equality and diversity strategy

     Take  a  lead  role  in  communicating  the  strategy  to  other  staff  and  monitoring outcomes

     Take a lead role in addressing prejudice-based bullying incidents

The Pupil Support Manager will:

     Record all bullying incidents in line with West Lothian Council Policy

     Monitor and share annual records/patterns to inform next steps in school strategy

All Staff will:

     Maintain the highest expectations of achievement for all pupils

     Promote an ethos in the classroom that values equality, inclusion and diversity

     Challenge prejudice and discriminatory behaviour

     Deal fairly and professionally with any prejudice-based bullying incidents Plan lessons that reflect the school commitments to equality and diversity

     Keep up to date with the law on equality and any changes to policy

The Parent/Carer Council will:

     Promote the strategy to all parents/carers and the wider community

In line with our Anti-bullying Strategy, Linlithgow Academy will deal with and record all incidents of prejudice-based bullying. 

Further sources of help and advice

Further help and advice for parents and students can be found through the following organisations:

http://www.respectme.org.uk/

 http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

http://www.bullying.co.uk/

https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/

http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

http://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/

http://www.childline.org.uk/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/bullying/

http://www.cyberbullying.org/

http://www.kidscape.org.uk/

https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/guidance-advice/bullying/

http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk/

https://www.samaritans.org/