Recommendation

Review of Action Plan

Action and target date

67. That consideration be given to amendment of the National Curriculum aimed at valuing cultural diversity and preventing racism, in order better to reflect the needs of a diverse society.

Learning and Teaching Scotland are also developing a national statement on Education for Citizenship. The principal focus is on the school and pre-school sectors and on clarifying the role of formal education from 3 to 18 in equipping young people as citizens. This is currently subject to extensive consultation and when completed Ministers will respond formally on what guidance may be required for education authorities and schools.

68. That Local Education Authorities and school Governors have the duty to create and implement strategies in their schools to prevent and address racism. Such strategies to include:

• that schools record all racist incidents;
• that all recorded incidents are reported to the pupils' parents/guardians, school Governors and LEAs;
• that the numbers of racist incidents are published annually, on a school by school basis; and
• that the numbers and self defined ethnic identity of "excluded" pupils are published annually on a school by school basis.

From academic year 1999/00, the data collection of violence against school staff (including those motivated by racism or sexism) has been extended to allow racially motivated incidents to be separately identified. Results are expected to be published in early 2001.

The information on rates of exclusion now includes the ethnic background of excluded pupils. Information for 1998/99 was published in July 2000. This information includes the self-defined ethnic identity of pupils and is published at a national level.

69. That OFSTED inspections include examination of the implementation of such strategies

Inspection guidelines have now been reviewed and evaluated. Improvements are being introduced on a phased basis to ensure that the concerns of all pupils and parents are fully reflected in the inspection process and that issues related to racial equality are given appropriate attention. A major review of performance indicators is under way and will include attention to equality and inclusion issues. An externally commissioned analysis of staff development needs for all HMI has been conducted and a staff development strategy is currently being planned. Within that context, HMI are also considering the implications of the Human Rights Act for their work.

A specific project has now been awarded to the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland with the aims of providing staff with materials to support more effective delivery of anti-racism education and to allow teachers to explore the issues involved in a series of seminars. The project is due to be complete by the end of 2001.

70. That in creating strategies under the provisions of the Crime & Disorder Act or otherwise Police Services, local Government and relevant agencies should specifically consider implementing community and local initiatives aimed at promoting cultural diversity and addressing racism and the need for focused, consistent support for such initiatives.

The ACPOS Guidance Manual makes clear the potential value of multi-agency working in this area and provides practical advice on making partnerships a success. COSLA also supports multi-agency working and will consider the role of community safety partnerships.

As well as local schemes, it was suggested in consultation that the Executive should consider a national campaign to raise awareness of racism and xenophobia.

(ACPOS, CERES, COSLA)

Progress in England and Wales

The Home Secretary wrote to all local crime and disorder partnerships in April 1999 to reinforce the importance of including minority ethnic groups and addressing racist crimes and incidents. This forms part of the inspections by HMIC for England and Wales and the Audit Commission. Home Office is researching the progress of partnerships so far to identify good practice that can be spread in further guidance.

SE to report to Steering Group by June 2001