Under the Equality Act 2010, protected characteristics are specific attributes or traits that form part of a person's identity that are legally safeguarded against unlawful discrimination (treating someone 'less favourably' than someone else). 

The nine protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.  They are shown in the diagram below.  Please click on the diagram to open a PDF version of it. 
 

At Tatsfield Primary School, our school values support teaching around equality, fairness and diversity.  Teaching about protected characteristics is embedded within our curriculum and daily school life.

Our assemblies, celebration days and events provide different opportunities to explore aspects of equality, diversity, identity and representation.  Our PSHE Curriculum (SCARF - Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship)  reinforces these values through lessons across different year groups in an age-appropriate way.  For example, in Year 1, the "Being Me" lesson promotes self-identity and respect for differences, while in Year 3, "Valuing Difference" explores topics like prejudice and inclusion. In Year 5, "Rights and Responsibilities" teaches about fairness and equality, encouraging pupils to consider the impact of discrimination.

Through these approaches, Tatsfield Primary School fosters an inclusive environment where everyone belongs and everyone feels valued and respected.