Diversity, Inclusivity & Abusive behaviour policy

Our Commitment

Lexis School of English is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment where every student, member of staff, homestay host, visitor and partner is treated with dignity and respect.

We value diversity and believe that different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enrich our school community. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and creating an environment where everyone can participate fully, feel safe and achieve their potential.

We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, victimisation, bullying or abusive behaviour in any form.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Lexis School of English is committed to complying with the principles of the Equality Act 2010.

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We also expect everyone within our school community to treat others fairly and respectfully, regardless of background, culture, language, nationality or personal circumstances.

To promote an inclusive environment, we will:

• treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect
• provide equal opportunities wherever reasonably practicable
• make reasonable adjustments for disabled students and staff where appropriate
• promote understanding and respect for different cultures and backgrounds
• regularly review our policies and practices to support equality and inclusion
• challenge discrimination, prejudice and inappropriate behaviour whenever it occurs

Respectful Behaviour

All members of the Lexis community are expected to contribute to a positive learning environment.

Everyone should:

• treat others with courtesy and respect
• communicate politely and professionally
• respect cultural differences and differing opinions
• behave responsibly both inside and outside the classroom
• help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere

Abusive Behaviour

Lexis School of English has a zero-tolerance approach to abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour.

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• discrimination or harassment
• bullying or victimisation
• abusive, insulting or offensive language
• threats or intimidation
• aggressive or violent behaviour
• deliberate humiliation or ridicule
• unwanted physical contact
• behaviour that causes another person to feel unsafe, distressed or intimidated

This policy applies to behaviour:

• on school premises
• during lessons, activities and excursions
• in homestay accommodation where appropriate
• online, including social media, messaging applications, email and other digital communication connected with the school

Bullying

Bullying is unwanted behaviour that is intended to hurt, intimidate or undermine another person. It may be repeated over time or involve a serious single incident that has a significant impact.

Bullying may include:

• physical aggression or threats
• verbal abuse or name-calling
• insulting or humiliating comments
• spreading rumours or deliberately excluding someone
• racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or other discriminatory behaviour
• cyberbullying through messages, emails, social media or other online platforms

Reporting Concerns

Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, bullying, harassment or abusive behaviour is encouraged to report it as soon as possible.

Concerns can be reported to:

• any member of staff
• the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• a member of the school management team

All reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively and investigated promptly. Information will be shared only with those who need to know in order to investigate the concern or safeguard those involved.

No person will suffer retaliation for making a genuine complaint or raising a concern in good faith.

Responding to Incidents

Where appropriate, Lexis School of English will:

• investigate concerns fairly and impartially
• support anyone affected
• take appropriate action to resolve the situation
• implement safeguarding procedures where necessary
• take disciplinary action where school policies have been breached

Depending on the seriousness of the incident, disciplinary action may include verbal or written warnings, removal from activities, suspension, termination of employment, or dismissal from the course without refund where permitted under the school’s Terms and Conditions.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, reflects current legislation and supports best practice in equality, safeguarding and student welfare.