§ Lord Smith of Leighasked Her Majesty's Government:
What guidelines have been given to local authorities and to schools concerning policies on reporting racist incidents which occur on school premises. [HL4659]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Baroness Blackstone)Guidelines for local education authorities and schools on the reporting of racist incidents are contained in ourSocial Inclusion: Pupil Support Circular, which was issued to schools and local education authorities in July 1999.
The guidelines specify that all schools are required to have effective policies in place on anti-bullying, including racist bullying. These policies must make clear that racial harassment and bullying will not be tolerated and say how staff and pupils should deal with it. Schools should record all racial incidents, and parents and governors should be informed of such incidents and the action taken to deal with them. Governing bodies should inform local education authorities annually of the pattern and frequency of any incidents.
A copy of the Social Inclusion: Pupil Support Circular has been placed in the Library for information.