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Anti-racism

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What is anti-racism? 

Racism is the unfair treatment of an individual because of their race or ethnicity. It can take several forms: 

  • Direct racism: Treating someone less favourably because of their race or ethnicity. 
  • Indirect racism: When a practice, policy or rule applies to everyone in the same way but disadvantages a particular racial group. 
  • Institutional racism: The failure of an organisation to ensure and promote appropriate processes, attitudes, and behaviours, resulting in discrimination against racially minoritised people. 

Anti-racism is the practice of actively identifying and opposing racism. It encompasses a range of ideas and political actions aimed at countering racial prejudice, systemic racism, and the oppression faced by specific racial groups. The goal of anti-racism is to challenge racist ideas and behaviours, actively change policies, and promote equal opportunities for all individuals on both individual and systemic levels. 

Anti-racism in schools and settings involves intentional efforts to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment that actively opposes racism. Here are some key aspects to consider: 

  • Curriculum and resources 
  • Staff CPD 
  • Safe spaces 
  • Positive representation 
  • Equitable policies 
  • Community engagement 

Why is it important for schools to be aware of and address racism? 

All schools and settings have a statutory responsibility under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that children and young people are not discriminated against because of their race.  Racism can have significant short-term effects on children and young people including barriers to learning, absences from school and a negative impact on wellbeing as well as longer term effects such as mental health difficulties.   

Racism constitutes a prejudice-based incident, and schools have a duty to report this to the Local Authority. For more information on reporting procedures please see the Prejudice-based Incidents One Minute Guide. 

Additionally, anti-racist practice supports children and young peoples' personal development: 

  • Equity and fairness 
  • Educational outcomes 
  • Social and emotional well-being 
  • Preparation for the real world 
  • Community building 

As well as facing racism from their peers, some children and young people may experience racism from adults. They may also have to deal with unfair or discriminatory processes and policies. 

It is important to remember that just because children and young people may not be reporting racist incidents, it doesn't mean that they aren't happening. 

What does the law say? 

Schools have specific legal duties regarding racism: 

  • The Education Act 2002 (Section 175) places a legal duty on maintained schools and Local Authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.  
  • Racism is a safeguarding issue. A racist incident or racist bullying should be addressed as a child protection issue under the Children Act 1989 when there is "reasonable cause to suspect" that a child is "suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm." These concerns must be reported to the member of staff responsible for child protection and then reported to the local authority's children's social services. 
  • Under the Equality Act 2010, racism must be addressed and responded to appropriately. 
  • There must be a behaviour policy that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying and prejudice-based incidents.  
  • 'Due regard' to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) must be taken, which includes eliminating discrimination and advancing equality. This involves publishing information and setting equality objectives. 

Key considerations to support and empower your anti-racism approaches

  • Are you incorporating diverse perspectives, histories, and voices into the curriculum? 
  • Do textbooks, literature, and educational materials reflect a wide range of cultures and experiences? 
  • Do staff receive training on anti-racism and recognising and addressing bias? 
  • Do they learn strategies to promote inclusivity and challenge stereotypes? 
  • Do you have safe spaces where children and young people can discuss race, identity, and discrimination openly? 
  • Do these spaces encourage empathy and understanding? 
  • Are diverse role models (teachers, support staff, guest speakers) visible in the school or setting's community? 
  • Is it understood that positive representation matters for children and young peoples' self-esteem and sense of belonging? 
  • Do you actively address disparities in discipline, resource allocation, and opportunities? 
  • Are policies designed to promote fairness and equal access? 
  • Do you collaborate with families, community organisations, and local leaders with an understanding of the barriers to engagement created by systemic racism? 
  • Do you work together to combat racism and promote unity? 

What support is available? 

National 

Norfolk 

Our local offer draws upon what is available nationally, helping you contextualise approaches, and provides targeted support to meet the needs of your school community. Find out more here. Link to graduated offer webpage. 

Norfolk County Council has developed a toolkit for schools and settings about anti-bullying in schools which considers how to address racism in education. The aim of the toolkit is to support you to plan a whole school approach as well provide guidance on how to respond when a child or young person experiences a racist incident.  

Racism constitutes a prejudice-based incident, and schools have a duty to report this to the Local Authority. For more information on reporting procedures please see this Prejudice-based Incidents One Minute Guide. 

Key contacts  

For further support, please email inclusionandsend@norfok.gov.uk.   

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