www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Information for Head Teachers and Governors
Diversity should be an asset to your school, with students coming from different backgrounds and contributing their different cultures and experiences to the school environment. Unfortunately, sometimes diversity can become a negative issue in a school, for a variety of reasons:
- Bullying may take place which hinges on issues of diversity (e.g. that is racist or homophobic)
- You may be concerned that a certain group is falling behind, or that your staff are unable to meet their particular needs.
- Changes in legislation (for example the Disability Discrimination Act) may give the impression that costly changes to the infrastructure of the school are necessary (although schools actually only need to make 'reasonable adjustments')
Some issues to consider include:
A Committee of MPs has recently recommended the reintroduction of the statutory duty on local councils to provide sites for Gypsies and Travellers, removed 10 years ago by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. There are 3,500 Travellers with no legal place to stop. The Committee chair described the situation as a “disgrace” in a so-called civilised society.
Wiltshire County Council Traveller information: 01225 713263.
The Commission for Racial Equality has reported that young Black people are three times more likely to be in prison than studying at university. Children from Black and minority ethnic communities are twice as likely to be permanently excluded as white children. Schools need to act sensitively to address these issues without reinforcing prejudices and stereotypes.
Schools can receive additional funds to help raise the achievement of minority ethnic students.
It is not just the students at the school who are a diverse community. Staff are too, and care must be taken to ensure that any diversity policy is developed in consultation with students, staff and parents. It must be made clear that homophobic, racist or sexist bullying and taunts are as unacceptable aimed at staff (or even between them) as between students.
Schools have legal duties to promote equality and diversity, for example by having a Race Equality Policy and an Accessibility Plan. Organisations such as the DDA and CRE (see links to the right) have more information on this. However, this will always just be the start towards tackling prejudice and discrimination. Schools need to positively embrace the subtle differences in people, and challenge attitutudes which shape the way students perceive themselves.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the safer schools pages, please send them to saferschools@wiltshire.gov.uk or fill in and return our feedback form.
