Question:
In March this year, the Guardian published a report revealing a huge disparity in school exclusions, between black and mixed-race children compared to their white peers.
Research by the Runnymede Trust has shown that exclusions have a detrimental impact on children, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and with diminished life chances. The report revealed that in Wokingham had the largest disparity in the country at 12.8% meaning that black and mixed-race students at schools in the Borough are 5 times more likely to be excluded than white students.
According to the Guardian, WBC declined to comment on the report. What will the Council do to ensure black and mixed-race children are treated fairly in our schools?
Minutes:
In March this year, the Guardian published a report revealing a huge disparity in school exclusions, between black and mixed-race children compared to their white peers.
Research by the Runnymede Trust has shown that exclusions have a detrimental impact on children, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and with diminished life chances. The report revealed that in Wokingham had the largest disparity in the country at 12.8% meaning that black and mixed-race students at schools in the Borough are five times more likely to be excluded than white students.
According to the Guardian, WBC declined to comment on the report. What will the Council do to ensure black and mixed-race children are treated fairly in our schools?
Answer
To clarify the figures used by The Guardian were based on a national dataset detailing 445 White British pupils and 53 White and Black Caribbean pupils who had fixed exclusions from our schools in one year (2018/2019).
Since 2018 we have seen a reduction in the proportion of fixed exclusions from these ethnic groups, and whilst this is the case, we are in no way complacent about this and will continue to monitor the figures so we can assess the impact of the steps we are taking and take further actions as necessary.
We work closely with schools, staff and governors on racial equality issues, with specific actions and initiatives including:
· Examining potential personal and systemic racial bias with colleagues in Children’s Services and our schools.
· The Council’s Learning and Achievement Partnership is working with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), to develop a Racial Equality action plan with schools.
· In reducing exclusions we are rolling out a Therapeutic Approach to behaviour management in schools with significant commitment from schools in the Borough to work in this way and reducing exclusions. This is a long-term programme which will take account of equity and equality, and links with a wider Pan-Berkshire approach on being Trauma Informed.
· Our Education Welfare service follows up on exclusions and have done much positive support and prevention work with schools in recent years to support reduction overall in exclusion rates.
Supplementary Question
I am grateful to hear that we are working with schools on such a difficult subject. I understand that schools are not under any legal obligation to share information about the reasons for exclusion with the local authority. Indeed, the recording of data differs considerably between schools. There is an action in the Council’s Equality Plan to “collaboratively focus on racial equality in schools”. The timing for this action is to begin in January 2022. Would you agree that this is not enough and that the Council should be working with our schools as a matter of urgency to standardise the recording of the data and gain agreement for that data to be shared?
Supplementary Answer
I agree that we should be working with the schools to understand what the rules and regulations are and that they are adhered to. At this point in time I do not know the precise answer to your question. I will add that, whilst all Members are listening, that we are all responsible for Corporate Parenting, which includes this sort of activity. There is an online training course at 5pm next Wednesday and you are all invited to attend. You all share this responsibility which is part of this issue.