Date published: 2026-04-22 | Category: Children's Services, Focusing on prevention, Schools, Colleges and Learning
Bath and North East Somerset schools are taking positive action to promote race equality, tackle racism and make sure all children feel safe, welcome and included.
A new Race Equality Charter Toolkit, designed with Black and Minority Ethnic young people in the area, supports schools to look at how race and racism affect their school, and take clear actions to make long‑term positive changes.
Schools that sign up make a public promise to challenge racism and racial bullying, promote equality and celebrate cultural diversity. They also commit to creating inclusive school environments, teaching a curriculum that reflects different cultures and backgrounds, treating pupils fairly, training staff, and regularly checking their policies and practices to address any racial inequalities.
The toolkit draws on learning from the charter’s Beacon Schools. Beacon Schools demonstrate exceptional good practice in anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion. They act as models for other schools.
Norton Hill Primary school headteacher Siobhan Waterhouse said: “Being part of the charter and becoming a Beacon School has been an incredibly valuable and constructive experience which has supported us on our mission to diversify the curriculum and promote racial equality.
“The opportunity to share our emerging ideas through collaborative dialogue with a like-minded team has given us both the confidence and sense of pride we needed to truly succeed. What once felt like a solitary effort among a small group of staff has now blossomed into a whole-school commitment. We are immensely proud to be part of this journey and to see it continue to grow. It's invaluable to feel a genuine sense of community developing through the charter.”
Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Every child should feel safe, respected and able to do their best at school. This toolkit gives schools practical support to help them challenge racism, promote fairness and build welcoming school communities for all children and young people and we are really keen to get the message out to schools and beyond about it.”
The toolkit has been created by the Bath and North East Somerset Race Equality and Hate Crime Task Force Partnership. The partnership includes B&NES Council, local schools, Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI), Black Families Education Support Group, Off The Record and Avon and Somerset Police. It supports the B&NES Race Equality Charter for Schools which was informed by the views and experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic young people in the area, good practice in education, and the Equality Act.
All schools in Bath and North East Somerset are encouraged to sign up and use the Race Equalities Charter toolkit to support a shared approach to race equality across local education. To find out more go to the council’s website and watch what children and teachers at Norton Hill Primary had to say about the work they’ve been doing on our YouTube channel.
ENDS