Equality Policy

Equality and Diversity Policy

1. Policy Statement

Metal Clay Academy provides creative jewellery-making workshops both in-person and online. We value every individual. We commit to providing an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

Our goal is to ensure that all students, tutors, staff, contractors and retail customers feel respected, safe, and supported. We operate in full compliance with the UK Equality Act 2010.

Concerns, in the first instance, should be directed to the workshop tutor.  Alternatively, they may be put in writing to the studio manager.

1. Protected Characteristics

We actively prevent discrimination based on the nine protected characteristics defined by law:

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

1. High-Heat Safety & Inclusivity (Torches and Kilns)

Our workshops involve specialised equipment, including handheld torches and high-temperature kilns. We balance strict health and safety requirements with our commitment to inclusivity by implementing the following measures:

• In the first instance, only tutors, authorised staff members and Diploma level students are permitted to use the kiln at any time that the equipment is operating.  There may be instances where it is acceptable for a student to put their own work into a cold kiln, although this must be authorised by the tutor or an authorised member of staff.
• Adaptive Safety Equipment: We provide a range of protective gear, including lightweight heat-resistant gloves, extended safety tongs, and magnifying safety goggles to accommodate different physical sizes, grip strengths, and visual needs.
• Assisted Operation: For participants who cannot safely operate a torch or load a hot kiln independently due to a disability, tremors, or mobility limitations, tutors will step in to operate the equipment on their behalf under direct instruction, ensuring the participant still guides the creative process.
• Clear Visual and Verbal Controls: Kiln areas and torch stations feature high-visibility safety markings, clear tactile boundaries, and step-by-step visual guides alongside verbal instructions to support neurodivergent learners or those with sensory processing differences.
• Online Safety Compliance: For online classes involving home torch or kiln use, participants must verify they have a safe, clear workspace. Tutors will provide an alternative, heat-free design path (such as cold-connections or sending pieces back to our studio for kiln firing) if a home environment or individual capability makes high-heat work unsafe.

1. Age Restrictions and Safety

To ensure a safe environment for all participants, we enforce strict, objective age limits based on risk assessments for tools and machinery:

• Children aged over 12 and under 16: May participate in designated design and creative jewellery making  workshops but are strictly prohibited from using handheld torches, kilns, or heavy polishing machinery. All participants under 16 must be accompanied by a full-paying adult at all times during the workshop.
• Ages 16 and 17: May use torches and machinery under direct, 1-to-1 supervision by a tutor, provided a parent or legal guardian has signed a specific safety waiver.
• Adults (18+): May operate all studio machinery (excluding kiln) independently after completing the mandatory tutor-led safety briefing.
• Inclusive Application: These restrictions apply solely based on safety data and insurance requirements. They are applied equally to all participants without exception.

1. Inclusive Safety: Religious Dress and Headwear

We respect and celebrate the religious diversity of our participants. To ensure the safety of those wearing religious garments (such as hijabs, dastaars/turbans, habits, or loose robes) around open flames and spinning machinery, we apply the following supportive rules:

• Securing Garments: All loose clothing, dangling elements, and headwear must be securely tucked in, pinned, or tied back before entering the active work area to eliminate catch and fire hazards.
• Flame-Retardant Coverings: We provide complimentary, lightweight, flame-retardant standard aprons and cotton neck/head coverings that can be worn over religious dress to ensure safety without requiring removal.
• Private Adjustments: We offer a private space for participants who need to adjust their garments or secure their headwear safely and comfortably before the workshop begins.

1. In-Person Workshops

To ensure physical studio spaces are welcoming and accessible, we:

• Select venues with physical step-free access and accessible facilities wherever possible.
• Provide clear, accurate accessibility information prior to booking.
• Offer specialised, adaptable hand tools for individuals with physical or dexterity disabilities.
• Welcome assistance dogs into the studio space, providing designated safe zones away from active torch and kiln areas.
• Maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discriminatory language or exclusionary behavior between participants.

1. Online Workshops

To ensure digital learning experiences are inclusive, we:

• Use video conferencing platforms that support automated live captioning and screen readers.
• Deliver digital instructional materials and toolkits in clear, high-contrast, accessible formats.
• Create a secure, moderated online space protected against cyber-bullying and harassment.
• Provide flexible scheduling options to accommodate different time zones, caregiving responsibilities, and health needs.
• Ship physical material kits in advance using accessible, easy-to-open packaging where requested.

1. Implementation & Reasonable Adjustments

We proactively remove barriers to learning:

• Booking Requests: Our booking process invites participants to privately share any specific adjustments, fears, or learning support needs they require regarding heat-based tools.
• Tailored Support: We make reasonable adjustments to teaching styles, tool choices, and workshop pacing to accommodate neurodivergent learners and individuals with physical disabilities.
• Where appropriate, carers or partners of visually impaired and blind students are welcome to accompany the student at no extra cost providing we are notified of this intention at the time of booking.
• Accountability: Serious or repeated breaches may result in removal from workshops, restriction of future bookings, or other appropriate action

1. Monitoring and Review

We review this policy annually to incorporate new digital accessibility guidelines and feedback from our community.

Date of Policy: May 2026

Next Review Date: May 2027