What you can do
Schools have a real opportunity to influence and develop our national culture and values, creating exposure to a range of views, encouraging openness and challenge, and dealing effectively with issues when they arise. Hate crimes in schools often take the form of harassment and bullying including violence.
Ensure any incident of bullying is tackled swiftly – follow school policy and procedures
Be aware of vulnerabilities to participation and victimisation – know your pupils and provide support and sign posting.
Create an environment based on equality and informed choice – provide information to allow pupils to make informed choices. It is well established that success in learning within a supportive school community can tackle prejudice and inequality.
Provide resources to assist reporting – hate crime is a serious offence no pupil or staff member should suffer victimisation at school. The school community should have access to internal and external reporting such as reporting online.
Check young people have safe relationships – in their family, with their peers and with your staff. Create the environment where it’s OK to talk even about the most difficult things.
Spot the signs & know what to do – use your relationships with young people. Follow your safeguarding procedures and be confident in hate crime as a possibility.
Take action – any concerns should be raised with the designated safeguarding lead. If a child is in immediate danger call 999 and keep taking action until you know they’re safe