Guide to reviewing school policies with an anti-racist lens

Research has found that 70% of young people who had experienced racism at school said it had negatively impacted their mental health.

By ensuring that our policies are fair and do not discriminate against certain racially minoritised groups, we can build a school environment that properly supports students and their mental health.

Some examples of policies or practices that could be causing
racial discrimination and inequity include:

• a school uniform policy that prohibits certain types of hairstyles and headwear
• an anti-bullying policy that doesn’t include specific guidance about racist incidents
• an attendance policy that doesn’t make provision for religious observance other than Christian observance.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for: 

• use by school leaders and mental health leads working with students aged 5 to 18.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes: 

• Use their knowledge to effectively communicate a positive values-based approach, and to promote openness and understanding to normalise mental health and its fluctuations throughout life.
• Understand how they can use local services/resources to enhance their school/college messaging and develop social, emotional and mental health partners in the community.
• Connect different policies and processes (equality & diversity, bullying & harassment, behaviour and safeguarding) to ensure they are working together to support wellbeing.