Chair: Tim Benson National Council Member
Vice Chair: Michael Wilson National Council Member
Remit
This Committee has close links with the work of the main Council Committees and is constituted to advise on minority ethnic provision; English as an additional language provision (EAL); multi-cultural, anti-racist education and community cohesion.
Current Focus / Work of the Committee
- Receives and responds to reports and consultation documents from government and other agencies;
- Provides advice to members;
- Provides a forum for debate and dialogue within the Association;
- Informs and is informed by National Council and its committees;
- Gives consideration to other matters as referred to the Committee by National Council
The ongoing work this year has included issues relating to black and ethnic minority children with the aim of raising the achievement not only of ethnic minority groups, but all groups of children, who consistently fall below the national average ability range.
The committee works to support the development of schools’ policies in terms of race relations, multi-cultural education and in the promotion of increased recruitment in the employment of teachers and support staff from minority ethnic backgrounds.
The committee has and is working with various religious communities, supporting the diversity of different cultures and faith groups within school communities, helping members to address the requirements of promoting social cohesion, through extended school services; through PSHE and the wider curriculum to develop children’s understanding of others and understanding of the value of diversity, promoting “the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and in the wider community to prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life”.
Raising the Profile
Successful fringe party meetings have taken place at the national political party conferences including a presentation on the 2007 Theme “Moving Communities from Fragmentation to Cohesion”. NAHT fringe party this year invites discussion on “Student Voice or Anarchy – What is a Rights Respecting School?” September 2008 – how can schools encourage student participation and responsibility in sharing the values of the wider society?
NAHT Annual Conference: motions are put forward by Committee members to pick up issues / initiatives of government that impact on schools and our members. Conference Motion (2008) “Conference believes that admission policies, on school admissions and social cohesion are contradictory rather than complementary”.
Support & Service
The Race and Cultural Diversity Committee is mindful that every school – whatever its intake and wherever it is located – is responsible for educating children and young people who will live and work in a country which is diverse in terms of cultures, religions or beliefs, ethnicities and social backgrounds. Different types of school in different communities do clearly face different challenges and globalisation means that both the populations of schools are often more diverse and that they may also change at fairly short notice. The staff and pupil populations of some schools reflect this diversity, allowing their pupils to mix with those from different backgrounds. Other schools, often by nature of their location, serve a predominantly mono-cultural population.
NAHT and the RCD Committee will continue to support schools as they consider how to give all their pupils the opportunity to mix with and learn with from and about those from different backgrounds and cultures.
Co-optee Members
The RCD Committee is keen to co-opt members to support the ongoing work of the committee, if you feel that you can contribute please contact Jan Myles by email: janm@naht.org.uk providing details of your role, school population, diversity of staff and pupils. RCD Committee also aims to continue to reflect diversity within its Committee membership.
Next Steps
How can NAHT through the remit of the Race and Cultural Diversity Committee provide more support for your school?
We would like to hear from you please let us have your feedback on the above.
We would also like to know what your school is doing to promote community cohesion –examples of good practice going on in your school.
The Department for Children Schools and Families has asked NAHT and other professional associations to survey members’ views. The DCSF is currently working on a questionnaire for head teachers, senior leadership, teachers and support staff; we anticipate that this questionnaire will be available shortly which will be placed on the NAHT Website before the next academic year.
