Equal Opportunities

1.1     Policy Statement

We recognise that the Northampton Teacher Training Partnership trains in a society where groups or individuals may face discrimination because of race, nationality, colour, marital status, gender, disability (NTTP conforms to the "Able to Teach" 2004 booklet), age or social class.  We also know that the Northampton Teacher Training Partnership is a powerful vehicle for transmitting positive values.

As such, it has responsibility to take all possible steps not only to increase the opportunities available to everyone in the community but also to take action to challenge prejudice and discriminatory practices.  Such practices are offensive to the Northampton Teacher Training Partnership and to everyone within it and will not be tolerated.

Our aim is to develop a training partnership which acknowledges and respects the diversity of our society.  Every member of the community at Northampton Teacher Training Partnership will be involved in making it a place where real equality of opportunity exists.  The Partnership will strive at all times:

• to raise levels of awareness

• to increase mutual respect

• to promote positive images

• to identify areas where remedial measure are needed and to take appropriate action.
• We strive at all times to consider applications from candidates with disabilities. If a disability is declared, we will endeavour to support trainees as necessary.          

1.2      Selection, Promotion and Training

The Northampton Teacher Training Partnership is committed to achieving a trainee teacher group of high-calibre trainees by ensuring that decisions relating to training are based on objective assessment of individual ability to undertake the training.

To achieve this we will:

 

• operate recruitment and selection procedures which ensure that candidates are considered on individual ability regardless of factors such as gender, age, colour, creed, race, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, sexual preference or trade union membership
• operate procedures for effectively resolving any complaints relating to alleged discrimination
• ensure that anyone with responsibility for making decisions affecting the training of students understands the legal, moral and educational reasons for providing equal opportunities to training against the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status.
• monitor our procedures and trainee data to identify any potential barriers to equal opportunity
• regularly review training policies and procedures to ensure that equal opportunity is being promoted at all times
• Consider serious breaches contrary to the Equal Opportunities Policy as gross misconduct.

1.3      Circular 11/95: Misconduct of Teachers and Workers with Children and

           Young Persons.

The Secretary of State has the power to bar a person's employment with children and young persons for misconduct and other behaviour as set out in Circular 11/95.  Anyone who is convicted of a sexual offence involving a child under the age of 16 will automatically be barred by the Secretary of State.  The Northampton Teacher Training Partnership has a statutory obligation to report cases of misconduct to the Department for Education and Skills.

As part of the recruitment process, Police and List 99 checks will be carried out through the Criminal Records bureau on all trainee teachers who have unsupervised access to pupils to ascertain any criminal convictions.

 

Northampton Teacher Training Partnership welcomes applications from all suitably qualified graduates.

Please consult the selection criteria .