On 1 October 2010, the Equality Act 2010 replaced all existing equality legislation such as the Race Relations Act, Disability Discrimination Act and Sex Discrimination Act.

Key points

• The Equality Act 2010 provides a single, consolidated source of discrimination law.
• It simplifies the law and it extends protection from discrimination in some areas.
• Schools cannot unlawfully discriminate against pupils because of their sex, race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, gender reassignment,  pregnancy or maternity
• The exceptions to the discrimination provisions for schools are associated with the content of the curriculum, collective worship and admissions to single sex schools and schools of a religious character.
• The Act makes it unlawful for the responsible body of a school to discriminate against, harass or victimise a pupil or potential pupil:  in relation to admissions, in the way it provides education for pupils,  in the way it provides pupils access to any benefit, facility or service, or by excluding a pupil or subjecting them to any other detriment. 

Public Sector Equality Duty (General Duty):

Three Main Elements

1.  Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act,
2.  Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it,
3.  Foster good relations across all characteristics - between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

In Mellor St Mary CE Primary School we follow the Equality Duty by ensuring our policies support all equality measures, our curriculum encourages children to challenge discrimination and stereotyping, promotes an understanding of a range of religions and cultures and as a school we promote friendships between groups through special projects and events.