Mellor St Mary CE Primary School

Governing Board Diversity Information 

At Mellor St Mary CE Primary School we believe that each and every one of us are special because we are made in the image of God and we must avoid at all cost diminishing the dignity of any individual to a stereo type or a problem. Our teaching and learning ethos is underpinned by the scripture ‘ For with God nothing shall be impossible’ (Luke 1:37) and we believe that everyone has the right to reach their full potential, no matter what their starting point in life may be.

Schools are required by the Public Sector Equality Duty to publish information about Equalities.

The information required to be published and analysed must be linked to the three aims (General Duties) of the Public Sector Equality Duty and these are as follows;

• To eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.

• To advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristics and those who do not.

• To foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristics and those who do not.

The Equality Act 2010 identifies the following areas as protected characteristics.

• Age

• Disabilities

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage and Civil Partnerships (but only in request of eliminating unlawful discrimination.)

• Pregnancy and Maternity.

• Race (including ethnic or national origins, colour and nationality.

• Religion and belief.

• Sex.   • Sexual Orientation.

Analysis of the School Population

The school is a smaller than average primary school with 141 children on role in 2022-23.

Presently there are smaller percentages of children eligible for free school meals, from minority ethnic groups and from families where the first language is other than English. A lower than national percentage of pupils are identified as having special needs and the school’s deprivation indicator is lower than national. Stability, that is the number of children moving from and to school, is very high (there is little movement).

A diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation.  A strategic approach to diversifying the governing board is both setting and example and demonstrating the board’s commitment to achieving diversity and equality at all levels of school life.

The information collated will allow the Governing Board to discuss diversity within school and propose action which may include;

• Targeted recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
• Developing and adapting board practices to ensure full participation
• Prioritising training and awareness raising in identified areas
• Addressing potential blind spots through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks.

Mellor St Mary Full Governing Board (FGB) Diversity Information

This information allows the GB to reflect on its gender diversity and the extend to which this offers a healthy difference of perspectives.

This information allows the GB to target recruitment and succession planning which ensures different generations are represented and gives the board a wider perspective.

This information allows the GB to ensure they are aware of any barriers to full participation in governance caused by disability, including non visible disabilities.

This information allows the GB to reflect on how its composition reflects the communities it serves and society as a whole.

This information allows the GB to evaluate which faith groups are represented among its membership and where additional support and insight may be needed.

This information allows the GB to reflect on how its composition reflects society as a whole and the insight required in order to ensure that practices in the school are inclusive.