The links between legal requirements and the organisational policies and procedures relating to equality Flashcards
What are policies and procedures and why do they exist?
Each setting will have a number of policies and procedures which directly relate to equality, diversity, discrimination, confidentiality, and the rights of children and young people.
Policies and procedures exist to ensure that everyone is aware of the agreed way of working within the organisation. Staff in particular will need to know the school’s policies and procedures and refer to them if necessary when needed.
How does an inclusion policy link to legislation?
This may be a standalone policy but might also link to the SEND or Equality and Diversity policy. It links both the Equality Act 2010 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 to inclusion and the importance of promoting the involvement of all individuals.
How does a confidentiality policy link to legislation?
This policy outlines how the setting will keep to its obligations under UK GDPR, and protect and store information.
It should also include details of how the setting will share information with other professionals where this is permitted and in a child’s or young person’s best interests, e.g. if they need to work with social services
How does an Accessibility/Access policy link to legislation?
The Equality Act 2010 requires that schools and other organisations should have an access policy or plan. This should complement the SEND and/or equal opportunities and inclusion policy, and set out the access arrangements for those with disabilities.
This policy should also state how the setting ensures equal access to the curriculum and wider context.
How does a partnership Working policy link to legislation?
Safe partnership working may form part of the confidentiality policy.
This policy should explain that sharing information about children and young people should only be on a ‘need to know’ basis.
It should also be linked to the SEND policy and Code of Practice, as professionals will need to know how to work together safely to improve outcomes.
How does an admissions policy link to legislation?
The admissions policy for schools and early years settings links to the SEND Code of Practice as well as the Equality Act; this is because it sets out the criteria for entry.
Under the SEND Code of Practice, children and young people who have an EHCP are able to specify their preferred school.
How does a SEND policy link to legislation?
All schools and early years settings are required to have a policy for SEND under the 2015 SEND Code of Practice. This will outline the provision which the setting makes for children and young people with SEND
How does a safeguarding policy link to legislation?
The setting’s safeguarding policy will need to refer to several DfE guidance documents, including ‘Keeping children safe in education part 1’ and ‘Working together to safeguard children’. It will set out the procedures which staff should follow in case of any safeguarding concerns
