Schools are required by law to eliminate
discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and foster good
relations (Equality Act 2010). All schools have experience of
developing policies and implementing practices which directly
tackle these requirements. Where those policies and practices
are aligned with the curriculum schools are able to influence
attitudes and create the potential for real social change.
The revised Ofsted inspection framework
from September 2012 refers to a school being outstanding in terms
of overall effectiveness if it demonstrates ‘...a very positive
impact on all pupils' behaviour and safety; and contributes very
well... to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural
development'. In terms of an outstanding behaviour and safety
judgement; 'Pupils are acutely aware of different forms of bullying
and actively try to prevent it from occurring'.
Every three years the Equalities and Human Rights Commission
(EHRC) is required to report to Parliament on the progress that
society is making in relation to equality, human rights and good
relations. The vision of the EHRC is of a society ‘at ease
with its diversity, where every individual has the opportunity to
achieve their potential, and where people treat each other with
dignity and respect.’
The first of those reports,
How fair is Britain? is available to view now on the EHRC
website. With regard to education, some of the key findings
are that:
Education is a key determinant of life
chances
- Educational attainment continues to be strongly associated with
socio-economic background
- Pupils with SEN account for 7 out of 10 permanent exclusions
from school in England
- There is evidence that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
young people are being penalised by unfair treatment and bullying
in the education system
- Differences in participation in education persist throughout
life
Links
The following pages and links are ideas for how Northumberland
schools might get started in developing anti-discriminatory
practices through teaching, ethos and the curriculum.
Our partners for delivering race equality education in
Northumberland are Show Racism the Red Card. Click on the image to
follow the link.
an example of a form developed for use in Northumberland
schools
