Nugent House School welcomes young people and staff from all backgrounds regardless of their race, culture or gender. It is important that everybody is respected equally, and that individuality is celebrated. This is the responsibility of all staff to monitor.

We do not accept any form of racism or discrimination within our school or Children’s Home and as such, endeavour to educate our young people into a greater understanding of race and culture; this is done in a holistic approach across the 24 hour provision offered.

1.Assemblies, Humanities, PSHE, RE and cross curricular SMSC themes address the issue of racism and discrimination across the age range at Clarence High School.

2.Diversity is encouraged and celebrated within the school at every opportunity

3.Any incidents of racism within the school are dealt with as a matter of urgency and must be reported. SLT will be informed of issues, actions taken and recommendations.

4.Any incidents of racism and discrimination will be taken seriously and appropriate actions will be taken. For example:

•Mentoring session for the responsible person

•Restorative Justice

•Parents/carers informed

•An appropriate sanction

•Support for the victim

•Victims of Racial discrimination have the option to involve Police

A central log recording reports of racism and discrimination will be kept. Copies of Incident Reports and related meeting records will be kept by the Anti-Bullying and Racism co-ordinator. In addition the Registered Manager will also maintain a log of reported incidents within the Children’s Home.

This policy must be applied in conjunction with the Anti-Bullying Policy.

Statement of Principle

Within Nugent House School it is accepted that every person is equally important and that no one has the right to harass, insult, attack or cause offence to any other person for any reason. All community members are all individuals, but are also members of a community where it is possible to learn from each other and celebrate the culture and beliefs of each person.

What is Racism at School?

Nugent House School adopts the definition of a Racist Incident recommended by the Macpherson report, which is also the definition adopted by the Local Authority:

‘any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person.’

Racism is not just about intentional attitudes or behaviour. A lack of intention does not stop the impact of racism being felt by individuals and communities. It is important to recognise that racist incidents are often complex and interrelated with other events and may involve group as well as individual behaviour. In any circumstances, racial harassment is unacceptable and must be dealt with effectively and with sensitivity.

Aims

  • To establish, in unequivocal terms what constitutes a racist incident and sharing this with all members of the school community.
  • To create a climate where people are able to speak openly about their experiences.
  • To agree procedures for dealing with racist incidents and ensuring that all members of the school community are fully conversant with them.
  • To establish a monitoring procedure to record all incidents and subsequent action.
  • To keep a formal record of all racist incidents and to report on the nature and frequency of any racist incidents annually.

Examples of Obvious Racism

  • Racist comments, name-calling and jokes.
  • Imitating accents.
  • Racist graffiti or any other written insult.
  • Bringing into school racist materials such as badges and literature or any attempt to recruit people into racist organisations.
  • Threatened and physical assault against a person or group because of colour or ethnicity.
  • Isolating people because of colour or ethnicity.

Examples of Less Obvious Racism

  • Unacceptable stereotype views and images.
  • Attitude that doesn’t acknowledge racism, thus perpetuating it.
  • Staff not following up racist incidents vigorously, thus condoning it.
  • Staff not being fully aware of how racism and stereotyping may affect the decisions they make.

Prevention

  • Young people are actively encouraged to report all incidents involving racism
  • Nugent House School will actively work towards the prevention of racist incidents through:
  • The utilisation of the Racial Equality Policy
  • The delivery of assemblies
  • The inclusion of racist issues and concerns in the delivery of PSHCE
  • The delivery of a curriculum which recognises the diverse community of Nugent House School

Success Criteria

Success will be achieved when:

  • All incidents of a racist nature are reported and investigated consistently and thoroughly
  • Members of the community have shared perception of what is racism and the consequences of being involved in a racist incident
  • Procedures for dealing with racial incidents are recognised as fair and appropriate by young people and their parents/carers and other agencies
  • The Home is an inclusive environment for all
  • The number of racist incidents declines over time

Active Reponses

  • It is important that there is a response to each racist incident – this means recording of information and being accountable for all actions
  • As soon as possible both the alleged victim and perpetrator need to be interviewed to establish the facts. It is likely that additional witness statements will be needed
  • Reinforce expectations held in the Home
  • Emphasise that the Home has procedures and that there will be appropriate follow up
  • Staff must record all actions and ensure that notes are filed and logged in the Racist Incident Log
  • Parents/carers will be informed of the incident and reminded of the procedures that follow
  • After investigation, action will be taken in line with the Behaviour Policy, Racial Equality Policy and structure of school discipline
  • Allegations made against staff involving racism must be passed onto SLT for investigation

Support Processes

  • Treat all claims seriously
  • Make certain that the victim is fully informed of the procedures and the subsequent chain of events
  • Explain the action that will be taken and state the Homes position regarding racism and racist behaviour
  • Talk through the incident. All involved must be interviewed.
  • Establish counselling and support as appropriate

Recording Events

  • All incidents where there is a perception that racism is involved must be recorded in the Racist Incident Log and reported to the Principal
  • Record incidents in the Racist Incident Log and subsequent procedures used relating to the sanctions imposed
  • Remember that records may be required by other professionals – eg. Social Services, Police
  • Any example of racism perpetrated by a member of staff will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter and will be investigated by the appropriate Body
  • Serious incidents should be reported to Nugent Care via SIRF. Physical violence, repeated harassment and links with racist groups

Failure to respond appropriately may be seen as condoning the incident