Principles

At The Orchard School, our ethos is rooted in the belief that Everyone Matters, Everyone Cares. Equality is not an add-on for us; it sits at the heart of how we create safety, trust and belonging for our pupils, families and staff. Our commitment to equality can be seen in the following ways:

• We treat every member of our community with respect, fairness and compassion.
• We maintain a safe, calm and welcoming environment where everyone can learn, work and contribute.
• We recognise that pupils have different starting points and different needs. Treating people equally does not always mean treating everyone the same; it means giving each person what they need to thrive.
• We understand that some pupils require additional support, therapeutic approaches or bespoke provision to help them achieve their potential.
• We listen carefully to the voices of pupils, parents, carers and staff. Their lived experience guides our decisions and shapes the Orchard Way.
• We build strong relationships across the school, ensuring everyone feels valued, heard and included.

Legislation

We welcome our duty under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to promote community cohesion and build a strong sense of belonging across our diverse school community.

Under the Equality Act 2010, we fully embrace our responsibilities to:

• eliminate discrimination
• advance equality of opportunity
• foster positive relationships between different groups

In line with this legislation, we are committed to ensuring that no member of our community experiences discrimination or less favourable treatment because of:

• age
• disability or medical needs
• ethnicity, colour or national origin
• sex
• gender identity or reassignment
• marital or civil partnership status
• pregnancy or maternity
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation

We also recognise the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). As a school supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, we pay particular attention to the needs of children and young people who are disadvantaged, vulnerable or have experienced adversity, as well as the families who support them.

This commitment underpins our Mission, Vision and Values. It guides the Orchard Way, influences our curriculum, and shapes every interaction so that all pupils feel safe, respected and able to grow.