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<p>The Equality Act makes it unlawful for a school to discriminate against or treat
a pupil less favourably because of protected characteristics. Under the Public Sector
Equality Duty, schools that are public bodies have a general duty to have regard to
the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and to
advance equality of opportunity between different groups and foster good relations
between different groups.</p><p> </p><p>In November 2018, the Department published
Respectful School Communities, a self-review and signposting tool that supports schools
in developing a whole-school approach that promotes respect and discipline. This can
combat sexual bullying, sexual harassment, and prejudice and helps schools to identify
the various elements that make up a whole school approach, consider gaps in their
current practice, and get further support. The Respectful School Communities review
is available here: <a href="https://educateagainsthate.com/school-leaders/?filter=guidance-and-training-school-leaders"
target="_blank">https://educateagainsthate.com/school-leaders/?filter=guidance-and-training-school-leaders</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>The Department is making relationships education compulsory for all primary
pupils, relationships and sex education compulsory for all secondary pupils, and health
education compulsory for all pupils in state-funded schools from September 2020. The
draft guidance sets out that pupils will be taught about the importance of developing
healthy, respectful and positive relationships. Pupils should also know about the
negative impact of discrimination, what a stereotype is, and how stereotypes, including
those based on gender, can be unfair, negative or destructive.</p><p> </p><p>Advice
is also available for schools and colleges on how to prevent and respond to reports
of sexual violence and harassment between children. It sets out what to do if there
are incidents of this kind in the school.</p>
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