School leaders’ union NAHT have recommended that all school staff receive mandatory anti-racism training, as part of the Keeping Children Safe in Education requirement.

The call comes as the nation marks Black History Month in October.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: “Education can play a pivotal role in tackling discrimination, improving awareness and challenging prejudice.

“But we know that racism and racial inequality continues to exist within the education sector, as it does across society. We are committed as an organisation to helping our members actively address this. It matters for the health, well-being and futures of school leaders, their staff, and the pupils and communities that they serve.

“That’s why NAHT is calling for a centralised, anti-racist approach to education, underpinned by regular, mandatory anti-racism training for all staff.

“This needs to go further than simply being aware of racism – anti-racism requires action to change and create policies, practices, and procedures to promote racial equity. We need everyone who works in schools to be empowered to do this, in order to bring about true change.

“We see this as a necessary part of the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) training, to ensure that all children are protected by this requirement.”