Equality Objectives

Trust Equality Objectives

Our main aim, as set out in the Trust’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2027, is that our Trust recognises diversity and enables equality of opportunity in all aspects of our Trust. This means that by the end of 2027:

For all those in our Trust community, there will be a culture that enables anyone to be confident to disclose harassment or bullying in the secure knowledge that issues will be addressed promptly and effectively
Personal, Social and Emotional education across our schools will link together to enable a holistic understanding for all, with clear links to PSHE, RE, RSE, safety and development
Research based strategies are adapted and embedded as appropriate, so all our pupils are enabled to flourish academically, physically, and emotionally
Our schools will be recognised for their excellent inclusive practice for our children and young people with SEND
Strategies and plans always include recognition of those with additional needs
Schools will work together as part of the partnership to offer mutual support, to act as critical friends, to explore research-based evidence and to develop excellent practice in the provision for our pupils with AEN/SEND
Strategic leadership across schools, groups of schools and hubs will enable current and aspiring leaders, from diverse backgrounds, to gain further professional development and the ability to share their skills widely across the Trust
Talent spotting of future leaders and development programmes will be in place, accessed and evaluated for impact.

We also seek to address inequalities in the following key areas:

To narrow the attainment gap between boys and girls in English, Mathematics and Science at all key stages;
To narrow the gap in performance of all pupils with special educational needs or disabilities;
To narrow the gap in performance between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged groups;
To promote cultural development and understanding through a rich range of experiences both in and beyond the curriculum; and
To prevent and respond to all hate incidents and prejudice-based bullying
To increase the representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic staff at all levels, including in leadership and management and teaching roles, from a current level of 2% to better reflect their pupil and wider communities. There are currently 9% BAME pupils when looking across the Trust and a Kent population that is 6% BAME.
Work towards improving the availability of Trust-wide staff equality data, including improving staff disclosure rates across the relevant protected characteristics.

In addition to the Trust’s equality duty objectives, St. Joseph's have chosen the following objectives having regard for current legislation and the context of our academy:

To ensure that staff and governors are aware of current legislation surrounding equality and diversity and understand the Academy’s responsibility;
To promote cultural understanding, awareness and tolerance within our academy communities;
To promote mental health awareness and develop appropriate support and interventions as necessary;
To close gaps in attainment and achievement between children, especially those eligible for Pupil Premium, children with special educational needs and disabilities, Looked After Children and those from minority ethnic groups;
To continue to improve accessibility across the academy site for children, staff and visitors with disabilities,
To monitor the use of homophobic, sexist and racist language by students in our academy and support the victims and educate the perpetrators of such incidents appropriately.
To continuously review and revise the curriculum so that it represents our diverse culture and society and encourages tolerance and respect of all as made in the image of God.