What are Protected Characteristics?

The Equality Act 2010 means it is illegal to discriminate against someone because of the following, which are called  protected characteristics. 

• age

• disability

• gender reassignment

• being married or in a civil partnership

• pregnancy and maternity

• race

• religion or belief

• sex

• sexual orientation

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Teaching of the protected characteristics at Stowlawn

Children need to be taught these protected characteristics. Therefore, it is essential that they gain an understanding of the world they are growing up in, and learn how to live alongside, and show respect for, a diverse range of people. 

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At Stowlawn, we pride ourselves on having a well-considered approach to the teaching of the protected characteristics, in order to:

• eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation

• advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it

• develop good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it

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We share and teach the protected characteristics in an age-appropriate way through assemblies and our PSHE curriculum. These protected characteristics are also part of our behaviour policy and how we encourage children to behave with regards to each other. 

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What does it look like for my child?

The teaching of protected characteristics can feel like a very daunting thing for a parent, as some of the content may feel inappropriate for primary age children. However, all content is taught using age-appropriate language and in a child-friendly way to start to teach the children these important concepts that will follow them through life. 

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Click the image below to see the Early Years and Key Stage 1 assembly we use to introduce the protected characteristics. 

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