In the three days after the 7 July 2005 London Underground bombings, police in London recorded 180 racial incidents. A total of 58 faith-related crimes were recorded, compared with one in the same period in 2004. Although we are one of the most peaceful and harmonious multi-faith societies in the world, we were reminded that hate of Islam and Muslim people (Islamophobia) maintains an insidious presence in Britain today.

The Muslim population of Gloucester is something over 3,500 and of course there are many Muslim children and young people in schools in Gloucester, Cheltenham and beyond. In these turbulent times - with the ongoing conflict in Iraq, British involvement in Afghanistan and tensions over Iran's nuclear programme - we must be sensitive to the needs of Muslim children and be aware of the need to provide all children and young people with information and the ability to understand and empathise with others who may appear different from themselves.

Timely then, that the DfES has launched a new website as a tool to help schools tackle racism: www.teachernet.gov.uk/racistbullying Importantly, the website names racist incidents for what they are and refers to Racist Bullying, for that is what it is:

'A range of hurtful behaviour, both physical and psychological that makes a pupil feel unwelcome, marginalised, excluded, powerless or worthless because of their colour, ethnicity, culture, faith, national origin.'

You will notice that for the first time 'faith' is included in the definition, although religion is not covered by the Race Relations legislation.

As we know from experience, pupils will often make little or no distinction between someone's faith and ethnicity. Perhaps referring to anyone with a dark skin as a 'Paki' or a 'Bin Laden' regardless of where historically their family has come from or what they believe. It is important for schools to respond to all incidents of racist bullying or negative stereotyping regardless of whether it is a taunt about faith or abuse related to ethnicity. In both cases the school should complete the racist incident monitoring forms provided by the Local Authority. If you require further information or clarification, please contact Giles Diggle, READS, Tel. 01452 427261

www.teachernet.gov.uk/racistbullying is well worth exploring. Advice is designed for schools to dip in and out of as appropriate for them and offers discussion topics and activities to stimulate debate and spark activity involving everyone in the school community. The site provides an online training resource. The format of the advice fits the new cycle of self-evaluation for schools.

The DfES advice was created with the help of children and young people, headteachers and staff, community and voluntary sector organisations, professional associations and local authority officers.

If you wish to explore issues relating to Islamophobia in more depth, a good starting point is this website - FAIR - Forum Against Isamophobia and Racism www.fairuk.org.

Giles Diggle

Race Equality Adviser

Head of READS