Investigation of a Racial Incident at School Level
Once a potential racial incident has been identified, schools should gather information in a fair, objective and proportionate way. The purpose of the investigation is to understand what happened, consider the impact on those involved, identify any wider patterns, and determine the most appropriate next steps.
Purpose of the Investigation
The investigation should help the school to:
- Establish the facts of what happened
- Understand the context and sequence of events
- Consider the impact on the child or young person affected
- Identify whether prejudice, hostility or discrimination may have been a factor
- Consider whether there is a pattern of behaviour or previous related incidents
- Decide what support, action or escalation is required
Gathering Information
Information should be gathered carefully and recorded accurately. Staff should avoid reaching conclusions before the relevant information has been considered.
- Speaking with the child or young person affected
- Speaking with the child or young person alleged to have caused harm
- Speaking with witnesses, where appropriate
- Considering any relevant online content, messages, images or social media activity
- Reviewing previous records or concerns
- Considering whether similar incidents have happened before
- Seeking advice from relevant staff, senior leaders or partner agencies where needed
Questions to Consider
- What happened?
- Where and when did it happen?
- Who was involved?
- Who witnessed the incident?
- What was said, written or shared?
- How was the incident perceived by those involved?
- Was harm caused?
- Was the behaviour linked to race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion, language or identity?
- Has anything similar happened before?
- Is there a wider pattern of behaviour or escalating concern?
Intent and Impact
Intent may be relevant when understanding the circumstances of an incident, but it should not be used to dismiss the impact on the person affected.
A child or young person may experience harm even where another pupil says they “did not mean it” or that it was “only a joke”. Staff should consider both the context of the behaviour and the impact on those involved.
Considering Patterns of Behaviour
A single incident should be taken seriously. However, schools should also consider whether the incident forms part of a wider pattern.
- There have been previous incidents involving the same pupils
- The same child or young person has been targeted before
- The behaviour appears to be escalating
- There are wider peer group, classroom or school culture issues
- There are online behaviours connected to the incident
- Additional wellbeing, safeguarding or support planning is required
Speaking with Pupils
- Use calm, respectful and non-judgemental language
- Explain why the conversation is taking place
- Allow pupils time to explain what happened
- Avoid leading questions
- Record what pupils say as accurately as possible
- Use quotation marks where exact words are recorded
- Consider whether the pupil requires support before, during or after the conversation
Parents and Carers
Communication with parents and carers should be clear, factual and proportionate. Schools should avoid sharing unnecessary information about other children or young people involved.
- Inform parents or carers that a concern has been raised
- Explain that the matter is being looked into
- Share relevant support arrangements for their child
- Avoid prejudging the outcome before the investigation is complete
- Signpost to further support where required
When to Seek Advice or Escalate
- There are concerns about immediate safety or serious harm
- Violence, threats, harassment or serious online abuse may be involved
- The incident may constitute a hate crime or hate incident
- The same individual appears to be repeatedly targeting others
- The same child or young person has experienced repeated incidents
- The school is unsure whether Police Scotland or another agency should be involved
Recording the Investigation
Records should be factual, neutral and clear. They should distinguish between what was observed, what was reported, what was said by individuals, and what action was taken.
- What was reported or observed
- Who was involved
- Who was spoken to
- Any exact language used, where relevant
- Evidence considered
- Immediate support or safeguarding actions
- Whether there were previous or related concerns
- The outcome of the investigation
- Next steps or actions agreed
Key Messages for Staff
Gather information carefully before reaching conclusions.
Intent may be relevant, but the impact on the person affected must be taken seriously.
Consider whether the incident is isolated or part of wider behaviour.
Keep records factual, neutral and useful for decision-making.
Visual Summary
The flowchart below provides a visual summary of the investigation stage and can be downloaded for use in schools, staff meetings and professional learning sessions.
