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Written question asked by Laura Smith (Labour) on Monday, 3 September 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 September 2018. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 September 2018 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Racial Discrimination

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what measures have been put in place for schools to deal with racist incidents.

Answer

Racism has no place in our schools and any incident is unacceptable.

In July 2017 the Department updated its anti-bullying guidance. This guidance makes it clear that where a school thinks an incident might constitute an offence, they should seek assistance from the police. All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy which sets expectations of behaviour and outlines measures to prevent all forms of bullying, including racist bullying. Schools have the freedom to develop their own anti-bullying strategies appropriate to their environment but are held to account by Ofsted. The anti-bullying guidance refers schools to sources of support on preventing and tackling bullying based on race, religion and nationality.

This guidance can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-tackling-bullying.

The Department funds and supports anti-bullying organisations that help schools prevent and tackle bullying. This includes the Free to Be project led by the Anne Frank Trust, which provides a structured approach for young people to discuss the importance of tackling prejudice, discrimination and bullying.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
169781
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Racial discrimination Schools
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk