Discrimination

What is discrimination?

Discrimination is when a person is treated unfairly because of who they are. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful if an education provider, such as a school, treats you unfairly because of:

• disability
• gender reassignment
• marriage and civil partnership
• pregnancy and maternity
• race
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation.

It is not unlawful for schools to discriminate against you because of your age.

Risk to mental health

Being discriminated against is a risk factor for poor mental health. 

Children and young people who experience discrimination will be affected ­­- and react - in different ways. This often depends on the following:

• how confident the child or young person is to ask for help
• the level of support a child or young person receives
• the number of other risk factors the child or young person faces
• how resilient the child or young person

Children or young people who experience discrimination may:

• feel different to other children or young people in some way, or “less than”; can also impact their feeling of belonging or how they see their identity
• have lower self-belief or self-worth
• feel powerless and frustrated
• have reduced aspirations
• struggle to reach their full potential
• may be at higher risk of being bullied.

What schools and further education settings can do

Children and young people need to learn in a safe, caring and respectful environment which embraces and conveys positive messages about their identity, diversity, and faith.

This feeling of belonging is important to their wellbeing, and to their academic achievement.

Schools and settings can start developing tolerance early in all pupils by using health and wellbeing lessons, as well as other cross-curricular activity, to help children and young people:

• learn about diversity and cultures (including different faiths)
• develop good relationships, and understand the importance of respecting others
• develop their social and emotional skills through collaborating and learning about empathy.

Schools and settings could also use time dedicated in staff meetings to help staff:

• Think about the whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing – perhaps using the 5 Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing framework
• Think about their school ethos, including anti-discriminatory policies, procedures, Equality Difference and Inclusion (EDI) steering groups and staff training.

Other things schools and colleges can do include:

• Make sure classroom settings and lesson plans are inclusive
  School and classroom posters, pictures, books, music, toys, and other materials should be diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, faith, gender, age, family situations, and disabilities.
• Implement policies and offer staff training
  Among school staff, there needs to be a culture of reflection and of challenging behaviour, language and attitudes. Training is important along with good links with neighbourhood organisations to support children and young people from all types of communities. Schools can provide a platform for inspirational and relatable role models to speak in schools and support children and young people through peer mentoring.
• Engage families and communities
  Help all types of families to feel included and ensure they are supported in the context of a wider whole-school ethos about respect for others, celebrating difference, equality, diversity, fairness and justice.

View our printable tip sheet for more information and guidance.