At Cold Aston Primary School, we integrate the teaching of the nine protected characteristics into all areas of our curriculum and embed them in our school ethos. This approach aims to help children understand the diverse and multicultural society they live in, fostering appreciation for differences and teaching acceptance and tolerance of various cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

The protected characteristics, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex/gender, and sexual orientation. Additionally, we consider socio-economic factors and the impact of wealth on an individual's lifestyle.

Our teaching is age-appropriate and takes into account the children's prior knowledge. For example, discussions about marriage and civil partnership are integrated into conversations about family diversity. Beyond explicit teaching, these principles are reinforced through assemblies and daily interactions.

Children learn about Protected Characteristics through our Whole School Worship sessions using ‘Picture News’ We share the news story with the whole school and then follow up these discussions in our Class Worships. We record our reflections from the story in our ‘Spiritual Journey’ books.