Racism is a problem affecting society as a whole: it is not something that occurs in isolation in schools and one key step towards creating a safe learning environment is ensuring that all forms of racism are tackled firmly as and when they occur, because no child can feel safe in an environment where racism is not challenged. The new DfES guidance document: 'Recording and Reporting Racist Incidents' (2006) intends to offer advice and case studies to maintained schools and local authorities on how to improve procedures for recording and reporting racist incidents. The guidance supports the Home Office document 'Community Cohesion Education Standards for Schools' (2004) and is also intended to be read alongside the DfES advice on 'Bullying around racism, religion and culture' (2006), which addresses ways to both respond to and prevent racist bullying.

To download the document, visit the DfES Ethnic Minority Achievement website.