What you can do
Settings have the 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 education settings often take the form of harassment and bullying including violence.
Ensure any incident of bullying is tackled swiftly – follow your setting’s 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 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. The setting community should have access to internal and external reporting, such as online reporting.
Check young people have safe relationships – in their family, with their peers and with your staff. Create the environment where it’s okay to talk even about the most difficult things.
Spot the signs and know what to do – you know the children and young people you work with. Be aware of the signs and how to recognise them. Follow your safeguarding procedures and have confidence in your ability to consider 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. Keep taking action until you know they are safe.