Identify the Current Legislation and Codes of Practice Relevant to the Promotion of Equality and Valuing of Diversity Essay

Words: 1824
Pages: 8

Current legislation:

Race Relations Act 1976 & 2000:
Schools have obligation to uphold good relationships between people from different backgrounds. Schools now required to have a race equality policy in place. The legislation gave powers to tackle racism by making direct or indirect discrimination illegal.

Code of Practise on the duty to promote race equality 2002
This is the government framework which assists schools to meet the requirements of the Race Relations Act 2000. It outlines ways schools through their race equality policy can promote race equality in their setting by reducing gap in education achievements between different ethnic groups and ensuring staff within the school are representative of a multicultural
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This is important for children as; it gives them a sense of ownership in that they can make a difference and are part of the school team. All this goes towards building good self – esteem amongst pupils as it makes them feel worthwhile and valuable that they are making a valid contribution. It is also highly motivating as pupils feel it is their school and they want to make it better.

Another reason it is important for schools is because participation is part of a statutory framework to secure greater involvement of pupils as outlined in the DFES guidance: Working together: giving children and young people a say. Furthermore participation is a feature of the Ofsted framework for school inspections and inspectors are asked to report on how well a school seeks to involve its pupils in its work and development. Schools are expected to work towards the Every Child Matters government green paper and participation has a part to play in each of its five outcomes especially the fourth ‘making a positive contribution’.

Pupil participation can equip pupils with essential life skills that will prepare them better for life as an adult. For example in my school there is a structured school council with officer roles, sub committees who manage learning, play and extracurricular. Pupils who contribute to a school council will be practising