Equality & Inclusion Policy

1. Our Commitment

SoloCogs is built around the belief that every student deserves access to education that works for them - not an education that requires them to work around it. This is not a statement we make on a page and forget. It is the design philosophy behind every resource, tool, and decision on this platform.

We are committed to equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination in everything we do, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

2. Protected Characteristics

SoloCogs does not discriminate - directly or indirectly - on the basis of any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, including:

• Age
• Disability (including learning differences and neurodivergent conditions)
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race, ethnicity, and nationality
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

3. Accessibility as a Default

SoloCogs is built using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles - meaning accessibility is built into the platform from the start, not added as an afterthought. This includes:

• Multiple background colour options - including overlays suitable for students with Irlen syndrome, visual stress, or colour sensitivity
• Read-aloud support - text-to-speech functionality available on all resource pages
• No time pressure - no timed elements on any task or assessment
• Multiple response formats - students can choose how they answer questions, including verbal, written, and multiple choice
• Skip options - students are never forced to engage with content they find distressing or inaccessible
• Clear, uncluttered layouts - reduced cognitive load through intentional design
• Consistent, calm tone - trauma-informed language throughout, with praise for engagement rather than performance

4. SEND Commitment

SoloCogs specifically serves students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The platform is created by a qualified teacher with SEND specialism, lived experience of neurodivergence, and experience parenting a child with additional needs. This lived understanding informs every design decision.

We do not require a formal diagnosis for a student to access or benefit from the accessibility features on this platform. If a feature isn't working for your child, tell us - we want to know.

5. Inclusive Content

We are committed to ensuring that the content on SoloCogs reflects and respects the diversity of the students who use it. Science content is presented in real-world contexts that are relevant, accessible, and free from stereotype. We regularly review content to identify and address any bias.

6. Reporting Discrimination

If you experience or witness any form of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion in connection with SoloCogs - whether in content, communication, or any other aspect of the service - please report it via the contact page or through our Complaints Policy. All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly.

7. Ongoing Commitment

Equality and inclusion are not a destination - they are a practice. We commit to:

• Reviewing this policy annually
• Seeking feedback from students and families - particularly those with SEND - to improve accessibility
• Staying informed about current research and best practice in inclusive education
• Being transparent about what we do well and where we need to improve