Protected Characteristics

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Teaching Protected Characteristics at Kingsway Primary School

Respect, Belonging and Understanding for Every Child

At Kingsway Primary School, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, belongs and is prepared for life in modern Britain.

We recognise the importance of teaching children about protected characteristics in an age‑appropriate, sensitive and values‑led way. This supports:

  • inclusion and equality
  • respect for difference
  • positive relationships
  • safeguarding and wellbeing
  • children’s personal development

 

Teaching protected characteristics is an explicit part of our curriculum and school culture.

 

What are protected characteristics?

Protected characteristics are defined by the Equality Act 2010 and are the aspects of a person’s identity that are protected from discrimination by law.

The protected characteristics are:

  • age
  • disability
  • gender reassignment
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race (including ethnicity and nationality)
  • religion or belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation

 

In primary schools, teaching about protected characteristics is done in an age‑appropriate, respectful and factual way, helping children to understand difference, fairness and kindness, rather than adult concepts.

 

Our values‑led approach

Teaching about protected characteristics at Kingsway is rooted in our core values:

  • We Care about Togetherness
    Children are taught that everyone deserves respect, kindness and inclusion.
  • We Thrive on Difference
    Difference is recognised, respected and celebrated as a strength.
  • We are Passionate about Learning
    Children are encouraged to ask questions, think critically and understand the world around them.
  • We are Inspired to Grow
    Children develop empathy, confidence and moral understanding as they mature.

 

These values provide a consistent framework for teaching respect and equality across school life.

 

How protected characteristics are taught at Kingsway

Assemblies and the assembly curriculum

Assemblies play a key role in exploring themes related to equality, respect and belonging.

Through assemblies, children learn about:

  • kindness and inclusion
  • respect for others
  • standing up to bullying and discrimination
  • celebrating diversity and difference
  • shared values and community

 

Assembly themes are revisited across the year to ensure learning is meaningful and builds understanding over time.

 

PSHE and Relationships Education (RSE)

Protected characteristics are explicitly taught through our PSHE and Relationships Education curriculum, in line with statutory guidance.

Children learn about:

  • families and relationships in an inclusive way
  • respect, consent and boundaries
  • friendships and identity
  • stereotypes and fairness
  • recognising and challenging unkind or discriminatory behaviour

 

Teaching is carefully sequenced and adapted to children’s age and stage of development.

Through everyday school life

Learning about protected characteristics is not limited to lessons.

It is embedded through:

  • staff modelling respectful language and behaviour
  • inclusive classroom practice
  • restorative approaches to behaviour
  • anti‑bullying work
  • celebration of cultural, religious and community events
  • representation in books, displays and resources

 

Children experience inclusion as something lived, not just taught.

 

A relational and safeguarding‑informed approach

At Kingsway, protected characteristics are taught within a relational and safeguarding‑aware framework.

This means that:

  • teaching is managed sensitively and professionally
  • children’s questions are handled carefully and appropriately
  • children feel safe to talk and be themselves
  • bullying or discriminatory language is challenged promptly
  • safeguarding concerns linked to identity or vulnerability are taken seriously

 

This approach helps children feel safe, respected and confident to ask for help.

 

Preparing children for life beyond Kingsway

Teaching protected characteristics helps children to:

  • understand fairness and justice
  • respect differences in others
  • form healthy relationships
  • challenge prejudice and stereotypes
  • participate positively in society

 

This learning supports children’s moral, social and emotional development and prepares them for life in modern Britain.

 

Working in partnership with parents

We understand that parents may have questions about how these themes are taught.

At Kingsway:

  • teaching is transparent and age‑appropriate
  • content is shared openly through curriculum information
  • parents are encouraged to talk to school if they have questions or concerns

 

We believe that respectful partnership with families strengthens children’s understanding and wellbeing.

 

Our commitment

At Kingsway Primary School, we are committed to:

  • upholding the Equality Act 2010
  • teaching protected characteristics in a sensitive and appropriate way
  • promoting respect, inclusion and belonging
  • challenging discrimination and prejudice
  • ensuring every child feels safe, seen and valued

 

Teaching protected characteristics is part of our wider commitment to equity, relational belonging and safeguarding for all children.