Desford Community Primary School - An Anti-Racist School

As educators and school leaders, we are committed to ensuring that ALL staff and young people are safe and truly belong in our school.  This is something that all of the schools across the LiFE Multi Academy Trust are committed to. 

We acknowledge that the lives of many children, parents, governors and staff are impacted by racism in our school community and across society in general, so we seek to disrupt it through improvements in policies, practices and through our school curriculum.

At Desford Community Primary School, we operate a zero-tolerance approach towards all discrimination.  We believe it is imperative to address racism in all its forms and offer our unambiguous support to all of our children, governors, trustees, parents, carers and guardians who are racialised as Black or a Person of Colour.  We wish to reassure you that all matters of racial discrimination, whether it presents itself overtly or covertly, will be handled with the upmost care and importance.  

We are committed to some key actions outlined in our Anti-Racism Pledge that are considered a starting point in showing our school's willingness to engage in dialogue and ensure all staff and children can be proud of attending an Anti-Racist School. 

• All school staff receive anti-racism training. 

• Staff represent the school on the LiFE MAT Race Equity Group.

• Race Equity Group members report back to the schools Senior Leadership Team to ensure in school action.

• Staff facilitate a children's group of Stephen Lawrence Ambassadors who ensure child voice is heard.

Reporting a Racist Incident

The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report (1999) offers a number of definitions of what a racist incident is.  Below is one of the definitions in the report that we believe best supports our school in preventing and addressing racially motivated behaviours.

"A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person".

This definition provides an essential starting point for schools in addressing the wide range of behaviours that could be racially motivated.  Although there is no statutory requirement to report racist incidents to an external body, we commit to reporting and reviewing all racist incidents so that we can continue to improve school practices to ensure that all forms of discrimination are addressed effectively.

If you are concerned that there has been a racist incident associated with any members of our school community, please contact the school office on office@desford.leics.sch.uk or ring 01455 822379 and ask for either the Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher.