How to Address a Racial Incident
Once a racial incident has been investigated, schools should take appropriate action to address the harm caused, support those involved, and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in the future. Responses should be proportionate, educational, trauma-informed and focused on promoting inclusion and belonging.
Principles for Addressing a Racial Incident
- Place the wellbeing and safety of children and young people at the centre of the response
- Respond proportionately to the circumstances and impact of the incident
- Promote learning, reflection and accountability
- Consider restorative approaches where appropriate
- Work in partnership with parents and carers
- Promote anti-racist values, inclusion and belonging
Supporting the Child or Young Person Affected
The child or young person affected should feel listened to, supported and reassured that their concerns have been taken seriously.
- Providing a trusted adult for ongoing support
- Regular wellbeing check-ins
- Access to pastoral or wellbeing services
- Ensuring the child understands what actions are being taken
- Keeping the child informed of relevant outcomes where appropriate
- Monitoring for any further concerns or incidents
Supporting the Child or Young Person Who Caused Harm
Children and young people who engage in racist behaviour may also require support to understand the impact of their actions, challenge prejudiced attitudes and make positive changes.
- Reflective conversations
- Educational interventions
- Targeted support or mentoring
- Opportunities to understand the impact of their behaviour
- Support to challenge stereotypes, prejudice and misinformation
- Follow-up monitoring and review
Educational Responses
Educational responses are often an important part of addressing racial incidents and promoting long-term change.
- Curriculum-based learning activities
- Anti-racist education resources
- Facilitated discussions
- Reflective tasks or learning activities
- Work linked to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Targeted support from pastoral, inclusion or wellbeing staff
Restorative Approaches
These approaches focus on repairing harm, promoting understanding and rebuilding relationships. They should only be used where those involved feel safe and willing to participate.
Restorative approaches should not replace safeguarding actions, disciplinary processes or other responses where these are required.
Consequences and Accountability
Educational and restorative approaches do not remove the need for accountability. Schools should consider whether consequences are required in line with local authority and school policies.
- Proportionate
- Consistent
- Fair
- Appropriate to the circumstances
- Focused on learning and preventing recurrence
Working with Parents and Carers
Parents and carers should be kept informed where appropriate and supported to understand the school’s response.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Explain the actions being taken
- Signpost relevant support where needed
- Maintain confidentiality regarding other children and families
- Work collaboratively to support positive outcomes
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Addressing a racial incident should not end when immediate actions have been completed. Schools should consider whether further monitoring or support is required.
- Checking in with those affected
- Reviewing support plans
- Monitoring behaviour and relationships
- Assessing whether further action is required
- Identifying wider learning for the school community
Key Messages for Staff
Ensure children and young people feel safe, heard and supported.
Use opportunities to challenge prejudice and promote understanding.
Responses should be fair, balanced and appropriate.
Continue to monitor wellbeing, relationships and any ongoing concerns.
Visual Summary
The flowchart below provides a visual summary of the addressing stage and can be downloaded for use in schools, staff meetings and professional learning sessions.
