Whole School Approach to Racism and Racist Incidents - equality impact assessment

Background

The work of the Scottish Government’s Anti-Racism in Education Programme (AREP) highlighted that many adversely racialised children and young people are experiencing racism and racist incidents in Scottish schools, and that schools may not have policies in place to recognise, respond to, record, and monitor incidents of racism.

In response, the Whole School Approach to Racism and Racist Incidents was developed by the Scottish Government in conjunction with the Racism and Racist Incidents Subgroup of the AREP. It is underpinned by the Anti-Racist Curriculum Principles, the Anti-Racism in Education Commitment, and guidance on developing a positive whole-school ethos and culture. It builds on Addressing Inclusion: effectively challenging racism in schools. Racism is understood in the context of Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) wellbeing indicators, children’s rights, and human rights.

The guidance is designed to positively affect every member of school communities. Racism can affect all parts of a school community, including pupils, school staff, parents, carers, families, and the wider community. A response to racism and racist behaviour therefore requires a whole school approach, with cohesive, collective and collaborative engagement across the school community. This approach recognises the important contribution to be made by every member of a school community. As part of this, the importance of teachers’ racial literacy and confidence in responding to racist incidents is noted. The Whole School Approach includes advice and guidance on professional learning around racial literacy, and resources for school staff.

The guidance is part of a suite of policies to improve positive relationships and behaviour in schools as part of the Relationships and behaviour in schools national action plan.