Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the number of external providers teaching critical race theory in schools.

Political issues relating to racial and social justice can be taught in a balanced and factual manner, just as pupils are often taught a range of different views on other topics, but schools should not teach contested theories and opinions as fact.

The Department is aware that there has been increasing focus on political impartiality in schools over the last few years. This has been challenging for head teachers, teachers and staff, given a lack of clarity regarding what the legal duties in this area really mean.  That is why the Department has published clear and comprehensive guidance to help those working with and in schools to better understand legal duties on political impartiality. A link to the guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools.

As with other aspects of the curriculum, schools have flexibility over how they deliver these subjects. It is important that schools take full responsibility for ensuring lessons and materials are age appropriate, suitable, and politically impartial, particularly when using materials produced by external organisations. When teaching, schools should consider the age of pupils and their religious and cultural backgrounds.

Schools are ultimately responsible for making sure the resources they use are suitable for their pupils. The Department’s guidance includes advice to help schools make good choices.