Page 18 - Anti-Racism Pocketbook for Schools

Safe spaces for pupils/staff

It is important to recognise the behaviours to demonstrate when
developing a safe space for pupils/staff in a school environment

due to the impact racial discrimination and microaggressions

have on health, wellbeing, and productivity.

Staff and pupils should lead by example when developing anti

racist spaces. Setting a positive stance against racism will

encourage and motivate other pupils/staff to mimic this
behaviour.

By communicating your expectations when it comes to being an

anti-racist school, you are setting the firm understanding of the
type of behaviour you expect from your pupils and staff.

All staff should attend training to ensure that they are able to

support their pupils and colleagues in difficult situations. When

attending training events on the topic of race, it is important to

use this time to actively listen and educate yourself in a safe

environment that allows you to do so.

Along with this, educators should try to include parents into the
classroom. Working with families is an important decision when

trying to connect with pupils.

However, it is important to consider inclusive ways of doing this
as the socioeconomic status of many households do not allow

parents to have the ability to attend all physical school events for

their children. Although there might not be direct involvement,
parents tend to have more subtle types of parental involvement

like having high expectations for their children’s education.

18 | P a g e equalityanddiversity.co.uk