Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that schools and local education authorities have available to them best-practice guides on (1) race issues, and (2) the Black Lives Matter campaign, so that they do not have to rely on advice from third parties; and what assessment they have made of reports of pressure groups with divisive philosophies seeking to provide schools with educational materials on these subjects.

The Department for Education is committed to an inclusive education system which recognises and embraces diversity, and supports all pupils and students to tackle racism and have the knowledge and tools to do so.

We want to support all young people to be happy, healthy and safe. We also want to equip them for adult life and to make a positive contribution to society. That is why we are making Relationships Education compulsory for primary school-age pupils, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) compulsory for secondary school-age pupils and Health Education compulsory for pupils in all state-funded schools, from September 2020.

The statutory guidance sets out that as part of Relationships Educations, all primary-aged pupils will be taught the importance of respecting others, even when they are very different from them, or make different choices or have different preferences or beliefs. Pupils will also be taught what a stereotype is, and how stereotypes can be unfair, negative or destructive. As with other aspects of the curriculum, schools will have flexibility over how they deliver these subjects, so they can develop an integrated approach that is sensitive to the needs and background of their pupils. The statutory guidance can be accessed via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education.

The statutory guidance sets out clear advice on choosing resources. Schools should assess each resource they intend to use to ensure that it is appropriate for the age and maturity of pupils, and sensitive to their needs. These resources must be factually accurate. We also expect schools to consult with parents on these matters and to make reasonable decisions about the content of their curriculum. Schools should also ensure that, when they engage parents, they provide examples of the resources they plan to use, for example the books or materials they will use in lessons.

In Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education and Citizenship Education, pupils can develop their understanding of the diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding.

Schools are required to actively promote fundamental British values, including democracy as well as the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faith and beliefs. The Department for Education has published advice for schools on promoting these values, and has made resources available through the ‘Educate Against Hate’ website. This website provides teachers, school leaders and parents with the information, guidance and support they need to challenge radical and discriminatory beliefs. Schools should also be aware of duties regarding impartiality and balanced treatment of political issues in the classroom to ensure content is handled in an appropriate way.