Racism

[analieninblackburn]

*Hi Everyone , my two boys attend a Grammar school in the North West of England. To my shock they have recently told me that pupils use the word "paki" to describe people of Asian origin all the time. Both my children here the term 3-4 times per week , The school is predominantly white 80-20 split .

This type of thing happened in the 80's and 90's. I'm very surprised it still happens now . In an "outstanding " school according to Ofsted . My children don't want me to get involved however I feel this issue is bigger than just my two children
Here are my questions for you all :
•I’m planning on asking the school how many reports of racism have occurred in the last 5 years , to see if there is a pattern , will they hold this data? And will they share it with me ?
Or will I have to submit a freedom of information request ?
•If my children have heard this term being used, then surely the staff must also be aware that there is a problem ?
•I'm not sure if it stems from pure racism or Islamophobia , any opinions ?
•What steps should I ask the school to take ?
What actions specifically?

My fear is they will deny that there is a problem . Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks for your help people*.

Yes, schools track that data. It should be included in the Headteacher's report which is taken to school governing body meetings, of which the papers are available for public inspection, so should likely be no need for an FOI request.

That is completely unacceptable language.

I would maybe start by talking to the Head of Year/House to establish how much of an issue it is and what suggestions they have to deal with it.

In terms of what I’d want to see - I would want the school to begin by educating (possibly with the help of outside agencies) pupils about use of language - why certain words are unacceptable.

Then I would want them using their sanction system if students are heard/reported to be using them.

The school may not be aware of it, the kids will know it’s not an acceptable word so be careful not to use it around teachers. Local police often have community police who come and do talks and workshops with the children. They are brilliant in our area although it’s a constant uphill battle as some children learn at home. Perhaps get in touch with your local officer and see if it’s an option to suggest to school.
If the school ignore the problem then I’d let them know you will be reporting it to ofstead. Any form of racism or lack of diversity education severely affects their overall score.

I’ve become aware of a resurgence in that term recently too (also in the northwest). It’s alarming though hardly surprising looking at the political state of the country. Fear it’s only bound to get worse with the likely new PM.

You posted this last week.

You posted this before and named the school

Last time , I named the school and the post was removed, hence I've posted again to get more feedback . This time with no schools being named.

Ah I see.

Is it an LA maintained school?

Have you spoken to the school yet ?

It cant bother you that much if youve still not done anything

It's half term, they told me two days before they broke up , i have drafted an email to the head , but thought to post the issue again to see if there is anything I have missed before sending .

Yes , it's an LA maintained school .

I think it’s always best not to go in all guns blazing from the off. Best to find out the facts first. I would make an appointment to see the head of year or a senior teacher first to raise your concerns and see what they say. If you are still concerned, then you can start asking for data, though I’m not sure what you want to do with the data?

Firstly, well done for doing something about it. The Headteacher may well not be aware that this language is common currency.

A few things that you can expect:
Governers to monitor incidences of hate speech in the school and respond with actions accordingly .
Action to be taken by the school could include - teacher training on how to deal with, police visits to talk about race hate as a crime, diversity focussed PSHE, zero tolerance policy adopted - letters home, parents informed etc. Also for the 20% of children who may be at the end of racial abuse some sort of support network/way of informing the teachers with the expectation that it will be dealt with. For the majority of the 80% who likely do not like this language the tools and support to confront the perpetrators. In this situation, the greatest from of change will be the pupils influence.

Let us know how it goes.