Protected Characteristics
The 2010 Equality Act makes it an offense to discriminate against a person due to there protected characteristic(s). At Ripley Infant School, we teach all of the children what protected characteristics are and how they affect life. In KS1, we introduce the children to all of the 9 protected characteristics. This is usually alongside the PSHE curriculum, through appropriate texts in the library or in whole school assemblies.
To find out more about what protected characteristics are and what they mean, please read below:
It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
These are called protected characteristics.
Age
A person belonging to a particular age (for example 32 year olds) or range of ages (for example 18 to 30 year olds).
Disability
A person has a disability if she or he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
See our disability advice and guidance section.
Gender reassignment
The process of transitioning from one sex to another.
See our advice and guidance on gender reassignment discrimination.
Marriage and civil partnership
Marriage is a union between a man and a woman or between a same-sex couple.
Same-sex couples can also have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil partnerships'. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably than married couples (except where permitted by the Equality Act).
See our advice and guidance on marriage and civil partnership discrimination.
Pregnancy and maternity
Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
Race
Refers to the protected characteristic of race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.
Religion and belief
Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief refers to any religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Sex
A man or a woman.
Sexual orientation
Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.