The purpose of this document is to support schools in developing their policy.  It is intended as a starting point for discussions as the policy needs to be tailored to meet the needs of each school and it's community.

The Equality Act has a single equality duty of positively combating inequality.  It brings all existing provisions broadly into line with one another and extends beyond race, gender and disability to now include other characteristics age, sexual orientation and religion or belief. The Act also identifies other characteristics such as marital status, pregnancy, having caring responsibilities or maternity.  The definition of equality is therefore wider than it has been before.  

In April 2011 the general public sector duty came into force and by April 2012 schools will have the specific duty to publish information and the specific duty to publish objectives.  

All schools in Lancashire, irrespective of how they are funded or managed, have obligations under the Equality Act 2010.  It is the responsible body for a school that is liable for any breaches of the Equality Act.