Student Handbook - Wellbeing
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY (STUDENTS)
CATEGORY
Education
POLICY OWNER
Vice Principal: Student Life
DATE & VERSION
November 2025 Version 5
APPROVED BY
Principal
REVIEW FREQUENCY
Annual
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing
Contents
SECTION
CONTENT
PAGE NUMBER
1
Policy Purpose
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Policy Statement
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3
3.1 Related Information 3.2 Legislation, Regulations and Guidance that have informed this policy Related College Policies
5 5
4
Policy Implementation
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5
Policy Measurement and Reporting
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6
Appendix 1 - Procedures
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing 1. Policy Purpose Extract from the UWC Atlantic College Code of Conduct “Pursuing the UWC mission – to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future – requires a commitment to the following values: international and intercultural understanding, celebration of difference, personal responsibility and integrity, mutual responsibility and respect, compassion and service, respect for the environment, a sense of idealism, personal challenge, action and personal example. At the heart of the UWC ethos is respect for others in all our actions and words.” This means that we must think about the common good and be able to rise above our individual desires and needs. In short, our ideals require good heartedness from all members of the UWC community and a recognition that cultural norms are diverse. The common code of conduct is required to make expectations clear. Independent schools' due regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) The Welsh Government is committed to promoting children’s rights and has adopted the UNCRC as the basis for policymaking relating to children and young people. There are 4 key articles that form the basis of the rights set out in the UNCRC: a. the right to non-discrimination (article 2) b. a commitment to the best interests of the child (article 3) c. the right to life, survival and development (article 6) d. the right to be heard (article 12)
2. Policy Statement This policy has been written with regard to legislation, codes of practice, and it should also be read in conjunction with related UWC Atlantic policies. This policy applies to all students at UWC Atlantic. This policy recognises that community members should not have to face discrimination of any form in their time at UWC Atlantic and that the community will endeavour to address all forms of discrimination through education and empathy.
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing All students at the College have a right to feel safe and valued within our community and have a responsibility to show respect for others. Discrimination of any form will therefore not be tolerated. The College aims: a. to prevent discrimination of all forms and to deal rapidly and effectively with any occurrence of discrimination against any student; b. to create and nurture a community in which students do not face discrimination of any form; c. to educate staff and students about discrimination; d. to empower students to speak out about any discrimination they may face; e. to support students who report discrimination; f. to allow students to learn and grow after committing discriminatory acts and g. to initiate disciplinary protocols in cases deemed severe.
3. Related Information
3.1
Legislation, Regulations and Guidance that have informed this Policy
● ● ● ●
The Equality Act 2010 United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child Children and Families Act (2014) Rights, respect, equality: Statutory guidance for governing bodies of maintained schools (Welsh Government, 2019) https://www.gov.wales/rights-respect-equality-guidance-school ● Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales (2021) https://www.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-code ● Keeping Learners Safe 3.2 ● ● ● ●
Related College Policies Admissions Policy Additional Learning Needs Policy Anti Bullying Policy Behaviour Policy
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing ● PHSE Policy ● Safeguarding and Respectful Community Policy ● Equal Opportunities (Staff)
4. Policy Implementation Equality of opportunity requires that all people have an equal chance to develop themselves to their full potential and be safe and free from harm. At UWC Atlantic (the College) we believe that students should be treated fairly regardless of identity, ability or any protected characteristic* (see Appendix 1). We welcome young people of all faiths or none and do not discriminate against any student or family because of their gender, race, background (cultural or linguistic), religious beliefs, sexual orientation, additional learning needs or disability. Consequently, equality of opportunity implies that: ● equality of access exists for all, not only in the College during the day, but in all services offered including academic and co-curricular events, boarding and during off site activities; ● social inclusion exists for all; ● life choices are widened, not restricted; ● talents are fostered, not suppressed; ● no-one experiences disadvantage or discrimination; ● stereotypes are challenged; ● all forms of bullying and harassment are condemned and challenged. A commitment to equal opportunities and to promoting human rights, requires anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive practice. Examples of discrimination can include but are not limited to: racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, sexism, ableism, ageism, religious discrimination e.g. Islamophobia, anti-semitism etc, and any other forms of prejudiced discrimination. Discrimination may occur directly through an act as listed in the examples above. Or it may occur indirectly when a condition, criterion or practice, whilst applicable to the whole community, disadvantages people who possess a ‘protected characteristic’. This is only
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing applicable where the condition is unable to be justified as being a legitimate organisational requirement. Roles & Responsibilities Students ● Act in any way that promotes inclusion and is anti-discriminatory ● To report any incidents of discrimination they experience. ● To educate one another ● To comply with this policy
Staff To aid affected parties in reporting discrimination To take all reasonable steps to ensure that discrimination of any form does not occur within their line of work. To appropriately address any concerns raised that are perceived by the person as discrimination or by following the protocols set out in this policy
Campus Community ● Not to tolerate any form of behaviour that could be perceived as discrimination, ● To take all reasonable steps to ensure that discrimination does not occur. ● To appropriately address any concerns raised that are perceived by a person as discrimination. ● Make a record of any incidents and issues, and any steps taken to address them How to report a. Any community member can make a report. b. Concerns relating to equal opportunities, human rights and discrimination should be made by contacting the Safeguarding Team. This can be done directly by contacting a member of the team or by asking a counsellor or trusted staff member to assist in making a report. c. Students can ask a trusted peer e.g. Peer Listener or student leader to support with making a report. Specific student leadership responsibilities relating to this policy include: ARDEI, Femo, P6 and PeaCo representatives.
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing d. Before a report is filed the affected party must consent to a report being made unless there is a risk of significant harm to the individual or the community. e. Confidentiality should be kept by all parties involved and information should only be disclosed to necessary parties. However in some instances, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed e.g. the person/persons are at risk or it is a criminal offence.
Incident Support and Interventions Relevant support should be offered to any student impacted negatively by issues outlined in this policy. Support may be offered by staff, students or external agencies with an understanding of the issues experienced. Dealing with incidents Alongside support for the student negatively impacted by behaviour, education of the student(s) causing offense or harm should be a priority. In all cases the offender(s) will be educated on why what they did was wrong. ● In cases of unintentional discrimination, education may be all that is necessary. ● The educator for the offender should ideally be a student or staff member who is well versed on the topic of the offense and who is to empathise with the affected party. ● Educators may be chosen on a case by case basis by the relevant student leaders in consultation with the Safeguarding team. Any additional actions or consequences should be considered in accordance with the behaviour and safeguarding policies. Criteria to help determine whether a disciplinary process needs to be implemented are below: a. where there is intent to be discriminatory/offensive, b. where the act causes significant harm to the affected party or other community members, c. where physical violence is used or threatened within the context of discrimination, d. where the act may be deemed hate speech under UK law, e. where the act may be deemed a hate crime under UK law, f. where the offender has a history of discriminatory behaviour or
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing g. where a case is of significant enough concern that the Vice Principal - Student Life deems it a severe case.
5. Policy Measurement and Reporting In line with all other College policies, this will be reviewed annually by the Education, Safeguarding and Wellbeing Committee of the Board and the Vice Principal: Student Life. It will be subject to interim update in the following circumstances: ● an incident occurs in which it is felt that the terms of this policy were insufficient to advise staff on procedure, ● other policies related to it have undergone significant changes that require this policy to be updated, ● there are changes in legislation or guidance from regulatory bodies that require the Policy to be amended or ● there is a change in the designated persons responsible for the implementation of this Policy. Recorded incidents of inappropriate behaviour that are in breach of this policy that have been recorded will also be taken into account when reviewing this Policy. Data in relation to incidents of discrimination will be reported to the Education, Safeguarding and Wellbeing Committee of the Board by the Vice Principal: Student Life. This data and the prevalence of incidents will be taken into account when reviewing this policy. The policy is communicated to staff electronically on Every. It is also freely available to all students, staff and parents via the College website. A copy can be requested at any time.
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing Appendix 1 - Protected Characteristics The Equality Act 2010 lists nine protected characteristics. ● age ● gender reassignment ● being married or in a civil partnership ● being pregnant or on maternity leave ● disability ● race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin ● religion or belief ● sex ● sexual orientation
It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of a protected characteristic.
Procedures 1.
Meeting The Needs of all Students
The individual needs of students at the College will be met in a wide variety of ways. These include: 1. The provision of appropriate resources for activities and learning that avoid stereotyping and discrimination. This will include appropriate learning resources and a choice of courses and activities that are available to all. 2. The entitlement for all students to have equal access to a broad and balanced IB curriculum, differentiated where appropriate. 3. The entitlement for all students to have equal access to the co-curricular programme. 4. Encouraging tolerance and understanding in class, activities and through the PHSE programme. 5. Ensuring that all students and staff develop positive self-images and a high self-esteem. 6. Ensuring that all staff (including volunteers) set an example by demonstrating positive, non-discriminatory behaviour in their dealings with each other and with young people. 7. Making every effort to include those with additional learning needs, disability or cultural / linguistic differences in all lessons and activities without showing prejudice or favour. Equal Opportunities & Human Rights Policy (Students)
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing 8. Fostering an appreciation of different cultures, customs and beliefs; teaching tolerance of other people’s ideas and values. 9. Preparing students for the next phase of their education, and life in a society which reflects and values cultural and ethnic variety. 10.Acknowledgement of various cultural festivals that are valued and celebrated in the College (such as Chinese New Year, Diwali and Eid). Appropriate provision is made where feasible and requested for students with particular cultural or religious needs or customs. 11.Special diets (such as the provision of Halal meat) requested for cultural, religious, health or moral reasons are catered for as far as possible. 12.Having an Admissions Policy that clearly states our policy on equal opportunities, accessibility and the College's provision for students with additional learning needs. 13.Taking a firm and appropriate stand when discriminatory behaviour or language is observed. This will involve intervention in a professional way. The College’s Behaviour Policy gives clear guidance on the forms of inappropriate behaviour and the processes in place for dealing with these.
2.
Students With Additional Learning Needs or Disability
The College has a clear policy and procedures for assisting students who are identified as having particular additional learning needs. Refer to the College’s Additional Learning Needs Policy for details.
3.
Students With Physical Disability
The Admissions Policy states that, although our facilities are at present limited, we will do our best to ensure that the College’s culture, policies, premises and procedures are made accessible to those with disabilities. When a disability is made known, we will consult with parents and make reasonable adjustments to our admission procedure and arrangements made for the student. If after due consideration we feel that we cannot make suitable provision for a particular student or that his/her needs will not be appropriately met by the College, we will inform the applicant of this. The College is constantly reviewing its accessibility arrangements under the Equality Act (2010). Although the College buildings are old and not particularly suited to certain forms of disability, we are striving to ensure that we are able, as far as is reasonably possible, to make our premises as
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing accessible as possible. All new buildings are designed and built to accommodate people with physical disability (e.g. with ramps and lifts). 4.
Liaison With Parents and Other Agencies
The College is committed to liaising with parents and other agencies. In addition to regular reporting, staff will communicate wherever necessary with parents and guardians. In particular we will notify parents of any identified need, progress made by students with additional learning needs and report incidents that may have arisen from the day-to-day running of the College that might concern them. Communication might be on an informal level, by telephone, which is recorded or may be by email or in writing. We encourage parents to contact the College and raise any concerns they have regarding their offspring. It is particularly helpful if instances of discriminatory behaviour or bullying are brought to our attention by parents. The College cooperates fully with external agencies on all matters relating to equality, additional learning needs and disability. These include Social Services, local NHS providers and medical practitioners, educational psychologists who may provide reports on our students and the Inspectorates (ESTYN, CIW). 5.
Valuing and Promoting Diversity, Differences and Encouraging Mutual Respect
UWC Atlantic greatly values its multi-ethnic and cultural diversity, encouraging students from a wide range of nationalities, backgrounds and beliefs to interact positively and to work and socialise together in harmony. Throughout their course here, students are taught to respect one another and to value diversity by the following means: ● In class, students are expected to accept others and respect their rights. ● Students learn about equality issues, diversity and tolerance through whole College events such as assemblies (often led by the students themselves) and through interaction with visiting speakers or guests. ● Through the curriculum students learn the importance of equality, respect for others and develop an understanding of human rights in a global setting.
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Student Handbook - Wellbeing ● All young people look to adults as role models and will learn by example. All staff (teachers, support staff, volunteers, governors and domestic staff) have a part to play in providing examples of non-discriminatory behaviour. This applies both in their interaction with the students and in how they treat each other. ● The co-curricular programme engenders real opportunities for students to value and include each other and members of the wider community. The CAS component of the IB Diploma course provides the ideal vehicle for this. 6.
Challenging Inappropriate Behaviour
Staff must be vigilant and challenge inappropriate behaviour whenever it is observed. There are acceptable means of doing this, including: ● An informal approach. A quiet word challenging a student and pointing out that something they have said may be hurtful. Explaining why some word or action is not acceptable. Persistent comments or more serious matters will be recorded. ● Discussing an incident with a class or group of students and engaging them in a discussion about rights and responsibilities. ● Bringing inappropriate behaviour to the attention of parents or guardians. ● Reporting the matter to another member of staff to seek support and guidance. This could be the student’s tutor or/houseparent, or the Director, Finance & Operations. ● If the inappropriate behaviour is on-going it should be considered to be a form of bullying and the procedures set out in the College’s Anti Bullying Policy followed. ● Concerns, especially regarding bullying, should be logged and passed to the appropriate person. For incidents in which adults are perceived to have acted in an inappropriate or unprofessional manner there are procedures set out in the College’s staff policies for dealing with these. These must be followed whether or not students have witnessed such actions or been involved.
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