Understanding Protected Characteristics at Rivendell Flying High

At Rivendell, we celebrate our diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and celebrated. As part of this commitment, we teach our pupils about the Protected Characteristics, which are set out in the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and without discrimination.

What Are the Protected Characteristics?

The nine Protected Characteristics are:
 

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marriage and civil partnership
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race
7. Religion or belief
8. Sex (gender)
9. Sexual orientation
    

By educating children about these characteristics, we help them understand the importance of equality, respect, and inclusion in their daily lives.
 

How Do We Teach Protected Characteristics?

At Rivendell, learning about the Protected Characteristics is woven into our curriculum and school ethos. We promote equality and diversity through:

✔ PSHE and RHE lessons – Teaching children about fairness, respect, and celebrating differences.
✔ Assemblies and discussions – Exploring themes such as kindness, anti-bullying, and understanding cultures and beliefs.
✔ Literature and storytelling – Using diverse books and real-world examples to promote empathy and awareness.
✔ School values and role models – Encouraging children to be inclusive, respectful, and supportive of one another.
✔ Celebrating diversity – Marking important events such as Black History Month, Pride Month, and International Women’s Day.

Why Do We Teach Protected Characteristics?

Teaching about the Protected Characteristics is vital in preparing our pupils for life in modern society. It helps them to:
 

✅ Develop respect and empathy for others.
✅ Recognise and challenge discrimination in all its forms.
✅ Feel confident in expressing their own identity and valuing others.
✅ Understand their rights and responsibilities as part of a diverse community.
 

At Rivendell, we are proud to create a learning environment where all children feel safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves. By embedding these values into everything we do, we help shape responsible, kind, and respectful citizens of the future

Using Picture News to Support the Teaching of

Protected Characteristics

At Rivendell, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where every child feels valued. As part of our approach to teaching Protected Characteristics, we use Picture News—a powerful resource that brings current affairs and real-world issues into the classroom in an age-appropriate way.

Picture News provides engaging weekly topics that encourage children to think critically, discuss diverse perspectives, and explore themes linked to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through these discussions, we help pupils develop a deeper understanding of the Protected Characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010, including:

• Respecting differences in race, religion, gender, and disability
• Understanding the importance of fairness and inclusion
• Learning about the impact of discrimination and prejudice
• Celebrating the diverse world we live in
   

By integrating Picture News into our curriculum through a weekly assembly, we create meaningful opportunities for children to engage with important social issues, develop empathy, and grow into responsible, open-minded citizens. This resource helps us to bring learning to life, ensuring that our pupils are well-prepared for the diverse world around them.