Equal Opportunities Policy
At Skipper Clement Skolen we recognize the importance of Denmark’s Equality Legislation. In addition, the School’s Mission Statement is based on the UN’s ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child,’ 1989, to which Denmark is a signatory. Skipper Clement Skolen is both a Danish and an International School. We are bi-lingual (Danish/English) and we aim to provide a safe and happy environment where all can flourish and where cultural diversity is celebrated.
SCS Principles of Equal Opportunity;
We aim to;
- Give equal consideration and treatment to all children and adults.
- Eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, age, ethnic origin, disability or cultural affiliation.
- Foster good relations and understanding between peoples irrespective of age, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability or cultural affiliation.
- Make access to school information available in both languages (Danish /English) where relevant.
All members of the school community are responsible for promoting the school’s Equal Opportunities policy and are obliged to respect and act in accordance with the policy. Any behaviour, comments or attitudes that undermine or threaten an individual’s self-esteem on these grounds, will not be tolerated. The School Leadership and School Board are obliged to apply these principles and follow through in cases of personal conflict between adults and/or children in the school.
Practical Implications and limitations
People with physical disabilities
The school has an ‘Open Door’ policy with regard to the recruitment of employees (See Employment procedures) and admission of children and families (See admissions procedure). All new buildings and adaptations of old buildings will take into account the needs of people with physical disabilities including those using wheelchairs and those who are partially sighted. However, as the school is located in old buildings, not all parts of the school are currently wheelchair accessible.
Students with learning disabilities
The school aims to support all students including those with learning disabilities. The overall number of students who require special services that the school can provide for is limited by the resources available at any given time to provide the adapted learning experiences and facilities required.
Cultural and religious differences (See Mission Statement)
Members of the school community are free to practice their religious and cultural traditions privately and are to be respected by others in the school community. In keeping with the ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’, the school regards religion and culture as secondary to the school’s primary purpose which is to provide a free accessible education to all its students. Any religious or cultural practice which places a child at risk according to the law, will not be tolerated by the school.
Religious holidays
The school is legally obliged to provide 200 school days for all students and the school calendar is based on the normal school year in Denmark. A family that celebrates a religious holiday not recognized in the normal school calendar is able to choose to take the day off, but must ensure the child/children in question can cover the work missed.
Clothing
At Skipper Clement all employees and students must be identifiable at all times. We do not accept full face coverings in the school. Students and adults are free to wear suitable clothing of their choice as long as it abides by any school rules regarding clothing. Clothing should not interfere with any child’s right to have an education, or of the adult’s responsibility to carry out his/her job.
Food
We accept that every employee and family has its own traditions regarding food. During common events and also during the normal school day, these differences need to be respected and accommodated.
Created by SCS—MIO
Passed by School Board Tuesday 3rd April 2018
Next review April 2020
