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Race equality and inclusion guidance
| 'We want to get the message around - we don't want to forget where we're from - our background and tradition. We want to show other people about our traditions - our culture is not well known. We are part of something.' |
For schools, the inclusion of new arrivals from overseas may present particular challenges. These pupils may arrive at various times during the school year and some may have to move on after a short time. They will have diverse backgrounds and needs such as being new to schooling in the UK or needing to learn English.
Recent guidance on race equality and inclusion can help schools ensure they discharge their legal responsibilities effectively and promote the integration and achievement of these children and young people.
The recommendations in the report on the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry emphasised the importance of an inclusive curriculum in preventing racism. The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 has placed a general duty upon schools, educational institutions and local education authorities to promote race equality. The 'Race relations legislation' area of this website includes more information on this.
The national curriculum requires schools and teachers to provide equality of opportunity for all pupils, including pupils from:
- different social and cultural backgrounds
- different ethnic groups
- diverse linguistic backgrounds.
The statutory inclusion statement of the national curriculum provides a clear framework for supporting the achievement of all pupils, including minority ethnic pupils. The Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant is a key source of funding for schools to use to develop further their practice and provision aimed at addressing the underachievement of minority ethnic pupils.
The national curriculum is clear on the need to plan for the diverse learning needs of pupils from all social and cultural backgrounds, including refugees and asylum seekers. Drawing on school and LA practice, the DCSF and Ofsted have identified a range of strategies that promote the inclusion and well-being of refugee and asylum-seeking pupils.
Flexible approaches that modify the curriculum in response to the needs of pupils can help schools secure inclusion for their pupils. Ofsted inspections have a rigorous focus on the inclusivity of schools and how they meet the needs of individual pupils, including international new arrivals.