Agenda item - Anti-racist schools

Report of the Executive Director Families Children & Learning (copy attached)

RESOLVED: That the Committee -

(i)             Support the development of a strategy for anti-racist schools, which will be developed over the next three months, supported by engagement with educational settings and community partnerships;

(ii)            Agreed the principles of the draft strategy outlined in Appendix 1.

46.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Families Children & Schools which provided an update on the progress made since the Notice of Motioncalling for more anti-racist action in schools was agreed at the meeting held in June 2020. The report was introduced by the Partnership Adviser Health & Wellbeing. Also in attendance to talk about the Brighton & Hove Educators of Colour Collective and the experiences of educators of colour in our schools were: Ms K Jordan (Patcham High School), Ms A Visvalingam  (St Luke’s Primary School), Ms F Sparham (Goldstone Primary), Ms L Soper (PaCC member and parent/carer of SEND child) and Ms PKnowles (Middle Street Primary School).

46.2    Councillor Simson said that it was important that school governors reflect the diversity of the schools and asked how the Council could promote that. Ms Jordan agreed that there should be better representation on governing bodies and that school governors should focus on preparing anti-racist strategies. Officers agreed and said that the recruitment of a more diverse governing body would be discussed at the next Governing Body Forum.

46.3    Councillor Nield said that the strategy was important and was pleased that it was being led by people of colour, and asked what steps were being taken to widen the consultation to bring more diverse voices in such as those who were Jewish. Officers said that the strategy was still in its early stages and an Advisory Group was being created and when in place they would look at how to include other minority groups.

46.4    Councillor Brown noted that nationally 17% of male teachers were from a BAME group and asked what the percentage was in schools in the City. Officers said they believed the number locally was less, but would find out the number.

46.5    Councillor McNair said that BAME included groups such as Travellers, Chinese etc and wanted to ensure that they were all included in the strategy. He said that it was important to teach children that they were all individuals and their voices counted.

46.6    Councillor Allcock welcomed the strategy and said that pupils did better when their voices were heard and hoped that the this would help social cohesion and so improve educational standards across the city.

46.7    RESOLVED: That the Committee -

(i)             Support the development of a strategy for anti-racist schools, which will be developed over the next three months, supported by engagement with educational settings and community partnerships;

(ii)            Agreed the principles of the draft strategy outlined in Appendix 1.