At Sunnyside Primary Academy, Every Child Can Shine. We believe that every pupil deserves to feel valued, respected and included, regardless of background, belief or identity. As proud members of the Greenwood Academies Trust, we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all, celebrating diversity and fostering a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

Our curriculum, assemblies and wider provision are designed to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain by promoting respect, kindness and understanding. Through this, we encourage our pupils to be thoughtful, confident and compassionate individuals who take pride in who they are and show respect for others.

The 9 Protected Characteristics

We teach our pupils about the 9 Protected Characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act (2010):

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

At Sunnyside, these principles are introduced and explored in an age-appropriate and sensitive way through our Jigsaw PSHE Curriculum and across the wider curriculum. Pupils learn that fairness, respect and equality are the foundation of positive relationships and inclusive communities.

Using a range of high-quality texts and discussion-based activities, children explore themes such as difference, friendship, respect and belonging. This helps them to understand that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness.

Our assembly programme reinforces this learning, using age-appropriate slides and stories to explore equality, inclusion and diversity, and linking these messages to our school values of Courage, Ambition, Pride, Respect and Responsibility.

British Values at Sunnyside

As part of our ethos and curriculum, we actively promote the fundamental British Values of:

• Democracy – helping pupils understand how everyone’s voice counts and how collective decisions are made fairly.
• The Rule of Law – recognising the importance of rules and laws in keeping us safe and ensuring fairness for all.
• Individual Liberty – encouraging children to express their views with confidence and make responsible choices.
• Mutual Respect – promoting kindness, empathy and understanding towards others.
• Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs – celebrating and valuing the rich diversity of faiths, cultures and traditions within our school and beyond.

These values are woven throughout our curriculum, assemblies and daily routines, helping pupils to develop the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours they need to make a positive contribution to society.

Our Curriculum Links

• Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC) – A knowledge-rich, sequenced curriculum which ensures pupils learn about the world and its diverse cultures, histories and beliefs.
• Jigsaw PSHE – A mindful and inclusive PSHE programme that supports children’s personal development, emotional literacy, and understanding of diversity and equality.

Together, these programmes ensure that equality, diversity and British values are embedded across every subject and every aspect of school life helping every child at Sunnyside to grow, learn and shine.