Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to tackle islamophobia in schools.

The Government condemns and strives to tackle all forms of discrimination, prejudice, and harassment.

Under the Equality Act 2010, schools have a duty to take steps to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations across all protected characteristics, including between people of different religions or beliefs. The Department has published advice to support schools to fulfil their duties under the Equality Act 2010, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-advice-for-schools?msclkid=9ce22dddcc5d11ec9a0a2d6e2fd0a666.

As part of a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils should be introduced to different societies, and how different groups have contributed to the development of Britain. This can include experiences and voices of people from all backgrounds. The relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) curriculum has a focus on equality, respect, the harmful impact of stereotyping, as well as the importance of valuing difference. RSHE guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/teaching-about-relationships-sex-and-health.

Schools are also required to actively promote fundamental British values, including mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. Actively promoting these values means that any opinions or behaviours that contradict them need to be challenged. The Department publishes information, guidance and support for teachers and head teachers on how to challenge discriminatory beliefs on the Educate Against Hate website, accessible at: https://www.educateagainsthate.com. This includes the ‘Respectful School Communities’ toolkit, a self review and signposting tool to support schools to develop a whole-school approach which promotes respect and discipline.

All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy which outlines measures to encourage good behaviour and prevent all forms of bullying amongst pupils. To support schools tackle bullying, the Department is providing over £3 million of funding between August 2021 and March 2024 to five anti bullying organisations. The Department has deliberately focused this grant programme on preventing and tackling bullying of pupils with protected characteristics. This includes projects targeting the bullying of particular vulnerable groups, such as those who are victims of hate related bullying.