As educators we are in the privileged position of having influence and making change happen so that we help make a better future for all. Please get in touch for training requests, workshops with pupils and support in planning for an anti-racist, inclusive curriculum. As Devon is a county with less diverse culture we have an even bigger job in debunking racist myths and ensuring all ethnically diverse children recognise and value themselves within their school environment.
Only 4% of Devon school website homepages have a visibly ethnically diverse pupil child represented. We believe that every child should be seen in school publications. You can access our guidance on Equality and diversity, including free clinics, my safety plans and policies on our Equality and diversity pages. Our reading lists for ethnic diversity can also be found on our website and you can receive 25% off any books your purchase.
What is racism?
Racism is when someone is discriminated against (singled out) because of their race, the colour of their skin, their nationality, their accent or first language, or their ethnic or national origin.
Other examples of racism include:
- Making fun of someone’s name
- Making jokes of someone’s culture (eg food, clothing, scents)
- Commenting about someone hair and/or asking to touch it
A racist incident is any incident, which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person.
It is also important to be clear that racism isn’t just about skin colour. Travellers and Western European communities also experience racism.
Anti-racism and EDI training in Devon
EMTAS can provide training on bullying, prejudice and racism incidents, as well as wider Equality, diversity and inclusion(EDI). We have in school training, webinars and bespoke training. Please visit the Devon education services shop for details.
EMTAS are also proud to be hosting and Equality, diversity and inclusion conference in 2025. Our conference will bring together experts to share their insights in supporting ethnically diverse children. The conference will include stimulating presentations on a combination of research-based best practices and approaches, as well as opportunities for discussions and networking.
Reporting racism
You can now view and download our new Bullying, prejudice and racism incident resource, which has information on preventing, reporting and supporting.
Please complete submit your report of racism through the online platform:
From September 2024 Devon county council’s Equality, diversity and inclusion team will be monitoring the BPRI reporting system. For further information and the new link please visit their website. For all the services and support you have had access to over the last two years, you are now able to purchase EDI consultancy time, which can include incident support, EDI pupil forums, data reviews and support with your Equality duty. Please visit the Devon education services shop for further details.
One Minute Guides
- One Minute Guide – Supporting Russian Pupils (addressing racism towards Russian pupils in Devon schools)
- One Minute Guide – BPRI advice for parents and guardians
- One Minute Guide – BPRI myths and misconceptions
- One Minute Guide – Introduction to BPRIs
School policies
Much clearer anti-racism policies are needed to institutionally embed a culture of anti-racism in schools. Please get in touch to review your race equality policy to ensure that black, Asian and minority ethnic students are not systematically disadvantaged.
You can also access our Equality and diversity policy and exemplar free of charged (for Devon schools) on the Devon Education Services shop.
Cultural exchange
Cultural exchange is the sharing of all aspects of different cultures. We believe that cultural exchange and key cultural celebrations should be threaded into the curriculum and be part of our everyday educational provision. Each month we add key resources for cultural celebrations, and you can incorporate cultural visits and experiences for your children from you local community. The Ethnically diverse community directory has a wealth of key contacts for this support.
Other useful links and resources
| Support | Resources |
| Gate Herts – report Traveller racism and access support | Review your Equality policy by completing an audit |
| Young Minds – support parents and staff to support children | Embed anti-racism in your curriculum |
| The Red Card – access support and training for establishments | Celebrate Black History Month in October and Traveller History Month in June |
| Seek support from EDEAS |
- Diversity and Citizenship in the Curriculum – DfES Research Review
- Everyday racism for GRT Families – Goldsmiths University for GATE Hertfordshire
- Educate Against the Hate – teaching resources
- Telling our stories – multicultural history of Devon – schools resources
- Healing a Divided Britain: the need for a comprehensive race strategy – Equality and Human Rights Commission
- KS2 PSHE/Geography – Anti-racism lesson plan
- KS2+ Anti-racist activity: GRT – Anti-racism lesson plan
- Race and Racism in English Secondary Schools ( Runnymede, 2020)
- NEU Framework for Developing an Anti-Racist Approach
- Chris Gaine’s We’re all White, Thanks (Trentham Books,2012)