Under the Equality Act 2010, protected characteristics are specific attributes or traits that form part of a person's identity that are legally safeguarded against unlawful discrimination (treating someone 'less favourably' than someone else). 

The nine protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.  They are shown in the diagram below.  Please click on the diagram to open a PDF version of it. 
 

In September 2020, Ofsted published guidance for schools on teaching the protected characteristics in school, with the explanation that it is important that all children have an understanding of the world they are growing up in, having learned how to live alongside, and show respect for, a diverse range of people. When schools undergo Ofsted inspections, they are assessed on how well they equip children to do this.

At Hamsey Green Primary School, teaching about protected characteristics is embedded throughout the curriculum and school life.  Within the whole school, we explicitly discuss protected characteristics in assemblies, ensuring pupils understand the importance of respect, diversity, and inclusion. Whole-school assemblies and our Picture News Assembly regularly focus on themes such as equality and fairness, helping children recognise and challenge discrimination. Celebration months and weeks, such as Black History Month and International Women's Day, provide opportunities to explore different aspects of identity and representation.

Additionally, our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) programme reinforces these values through lessons across different year groups in an age-appropriate way. For example, in Year 1's 'Family and Friendships' unit, they discuss "What it means to be a family and how families are different, e.g. single parents, same-sex parents." This lesson promotes self-identity and respect for differences. In Year 6, pupils learn that people who love each other can be of any gender, ethnicity or faith and the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation and everyone’s right to be loved.  In Year 3, "Respecting ourselves and Others unit" explores topics like prejudice and inclusion through lesson discussion about the ways in which people show respect and courtesy in different cultures and in wider society, and in Year 5, pupils are taught about fairness and equality, encouraging pupils to consider the impact of discrimination.

Through these approaches, Hamsey Green Primary School fosters an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and respected.