Temporary closures of schools and nurseries - statutory guidance update: equality impact assessment

The Scope of the EQIA

The EQIA assessed potential impacts across all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, sex, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership (where applicable). The assessment considered the three needs of the Public Sector Equality Duty: eliminating unlawful discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations.

The assessment drew on both qualitative and quantitative evidence. This included analysis of national datasets, such as Schools Contact List data, the Rural Schools List and pupil census data, alongside information gathered through engagement with local authorities and consideration of the legislative and policy context. The EQIA was proportionate to the nature of the policy update and the expectation that no significant equality impacts would arise.

Evidence used in the EQIA included national statistics on schools and pupils, information on rural and temporarily closed schools, and engagement with local authorities during development of the guidance. Local authority feedback highlighted variation in practice and the need for clearer guidance on temporary closures and engagement with affected groups. No direct consultation with equality stakeholder groups was undertaken, reflecting the operational nature of the guidance and its application across all communities.