This policy was revised by the staff in April/May 2016.
Rationale.
This policy is devised to ensure equality of access for all pupils and staff in the school environment and to ensure that no conditions be allowed which may hinder an individual (or groups) participation in school life. It is designed to comply with various acts of the Oireachtas such as:
Equal Status Act 2000.
Employment Equality Act 1998.
Education Act 1998.
It seeks to promote the principles of justice and equality for all members of the school community.
Relationship to characteristic spirit of the school.
Knockanore National School is committed to promoting the values of respect for all, while recognising and respecting diversity.
Knockanore National School is committed to enabling each person to participate in all school activities with due regard for Health & Safety issues.
Aims.
To ensure that the school complies with legislative requirments and principles of good practice.
That each person in our school feels valued and respected.
The creation of an environment where diversity in values are celebrated.
The awarding of equal opportunities to all persons.
The preparation of our pupils for life in a multicultural society and with an understanding of the value of cultural diversity and pride in their culture.
Vision.
Our school vision supports and promotes the principles of equality of access, opportunity and participation by all the school community, i.e. staff, pupils, parents, board, community.
Our vision is inclusive and respectful of difference.
Our school environment (including classrooms) reflects diversity in a positive manner.
Organisational Areas Enrolment
All pupils are welcome to enrol in our school irrespective of race, religion, membership of traveller community, family status, gender, sexual orientation, disability.
Arrangements are made for pupils who do not wish to participate in religion classes, within available resources.
The characteristic spirit of the school is explained to parents so that they are aware of the religious denomination of the school and its reflection in the curriculum offered and the organisation of the school.
The enrolment form takes into account that parents may be separated, divorced, same sex or single parent families.
StaffThis school is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Ref: Equal Status Act (2000) and Employment Equality Act (1998). Care is taken to avoid any action which could be interpreted as discrimination on any grounds; this is especially relevant in both the selection of candidates for interview and in the questions asked at interview. Correct procedures for promotion will be strictly adhered to as per the CPSMA handbook. Fair and equitable measures in relation to Post of Responsibility, Maternity Leave, career breaks, etc. will be implemented, as per most recent, relevant DES circulars.
Home School Communication
Appropriate procedures will be put in place for reporting on pupil progress where parents are separated or divorced.
The principal will explain to parents (of differing race, nationality, religion, travellers,) the role of the school, the expectations of the school, the expected role of parents etc.
Induction of New Pupils/Staff
Class/staff are informed that a new child/staff member will be coming and are reminded of normal courtesy extended to new pupils/staff members to make them feel welcome.
The child/staff member is assisted to settle into their new class/school by monitoring them closely, affirming them and letting them know that help is available, if needed.
If possible, the class teacher will meet the parents/child prior to the child starting.
New staff are given a copy of ‘Information for Substitute/New Teachers’, are appraised of pupils in their care and are offered support.
Homework
The class teacher takes cognisance of children with Learning Disabilities and attending Learning Support when assigning homework.
Resources
Diversity is reflected in the textbooks and library books used in our school.
The resources required to support the child with a learning disability are available in the school.
Tours and school organised events
Our pupils have equal opportunity to participate in school tours and school organised activities, within reason and in consultation with the parents.
Staff Development
All teachers are advised to make themselves aware of what equality involves, the principles of equality education and the methodologies advocated for its success.
Assessment
Class teachers take cognisance of different abilities of children in their class when assessing pupils.
c/f Learning Support Policy
Extra-Curricular Activities
Every effort is made to ensure that all pupils can avail of extra-curricular activities promoted by the school in terms of Access.
Curriculum
All children are accessing all areas of the curriculum.
The child is engaged in intellectually stimulating work appropriate to his/her intellectual ability.
It is school policy to provide a balanced range of resources in curricular areas - textbooks, ancillary materials, software, sports equipment etc. Every opportunity will be taken to promote equality through the discreet and hidden curriculum. Nothing may appear in visual displays which would indicate a preference for any particular sector of society. Special efforts are made to avoid stereotyping when designating tasks and presenting classroom materials. Cultural diversity is a characteristic of the pupils of Knockanore National School and respect for such diversity is important in choosing teaching materials.
Teachers shall ensure that the language used in the school to mediate the curriculum is balanced and shall avail of opportunities to raise pupils’ awareness of unconsciously held attitudes.
Teachers promote the concept of equality and justice for all, both within specific educational programmes and in the “hidden” curriculum throughout the school day
The school endeavours to enable all children to access all curriculum areas, engaging them in appropriate intellectually stimulating work. All children are given opportunities to engage in integration, and appreciate other cultures and languages.
Arrangements are made for support teaching in English, Maths and English as an Additional Language; such arrangements may differ from year to year, dependant on the allocation of staffing from the DES.
As agreed with the B.O.M. and parents all pupils in Knockanore N S shall wear a uniform. Girls may wear a skirt/pinafore or school trousers.
Success Criteria Practical indicators of the success of this policy, e.g.
Awareness of the language of rights and of the concept of equality and justice.
Reduction in incidents of bullying/racist incidents.
Pupils having and using appropriate language.
All pupils accessing and participating in all areas of the curriculum and school life at a level consonant with their ability.
Parental satisfaction with the values being promoted in the school.
Staff feel that they are valued.
Roles and Responsibility
Teaching staff in differentiating the curriculum to reflect the principles of this policy.
All staff in supporting the policy.
Parents and community in supporting the policy.
Board of Management in supporting the policy and in providing the identified resources.
This school policy was approved by the Board of Management of Knockanore National School on 16th May 2016. Chairperson of the Board of Management: Fr. Patrick Condon Date 16/05/16