Policy and practice

Policies

Requirement for policies

The DCSF has stated that all schools are encouraged to keep a written statement of their equal opportunities policy. It is also good practice in the management of the ethnic minority achievement grant and provision for ethnic minority and pupils for whom English is an additional language (EAL) for schools to have policies which address EAL issues, tackle racism and racial harassment - a policy on ethnic minority achievement.

The Hampshire Inspection and Advisory Service (HIAS) has produced publications giving guidelines to schools on racial harassment and equal opportunities. You can order them from HIAS.

Race Relations Amendment Act (2000)

The main role of the Race Relations Amendment Act is to strengthen the 1976 Race Relations Act so that public authorities are more proactive in promoting race equality. There are now compulsory general duties and specific duties for educational establishments in terms of promoting race equality.

General Duties

To actively:

• eliminate unlawful discrimination
• promote equality of opportunity
• promote good relations between people of different racial groups

Specific duties

• prepare/plan a written policy on race equality.
• assess other school policies in terms of their contribution/relevance to race equality, adding statements where there are omissions.
• monitor and track the levels of attainment of ethnic minority pupils, and ethnic groups within the school.
• ensure that information about race equality and other relevant policies is made available to the school community, including parents.
• assess the impact of its policies on ethnic minority students, staff and parents, with emphasis on the attainment of ethnic minority pupils.
• take account of the general duty in employment
• supply the LA with appropriate employment data

What support is available from Hampshire EMTAS?

The following training is available to all schools. There may be a cost

• Training with practical advice and sharing ideas, in terms of :
  • developing, implementing and maintaining a Race Equality policy
  • anti-racist strategies
  • developing the intercultural curriculum
  • assessing the impact of policies relating to race equality

If you would like to access this training please contact the Training Manager at Hampshire EMTAS on 01256 330195.