schools have a new general legal duty to promote race equality. Heads will need to have a written race equality policy and arrangements in place to meet this new duty by May 31 under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

The Act is geared to making the promotion of race equality central to the way all public bodies work. Authorities must aim to:

* eliminate unlawful racial discrimination;

* promote equality of opportunity;

* promote good relations between people of different racial groups.

In schools this means:

* meeting all pupils’ needs so they reach their full potential;

* taking specific action to tackle any discrimination between racial groups in respect of progress, attainment, admissions and exclusions;

* creating a positive and inclusive ethos based on mutual respect for diversity;

* showing a commitment to challenging and preventing racism and discrimination;

* preparing pupils for a multi-ethnic society;

* ensuring the workforce is representative of the communities you serve;

* making full use of the skills and knowledge of people from all racial groups in the classroom and on the governing body.

Governing bodies already understand the importance of equality of opportunity for pupils, but they must now satisfy themselves that the school is actually meeting its legal duty. It applies to all schools irrespective of the size of the ethnic-minority population.

The governing body can best do this by “equality proofing” policies and plans. You need to start preparing the race equality policy now so that the process can be inclusive of all appropriate groups.

A small co-ordinating group is a good way to start, including the headteacher, governors, staff and pupil representatives. Pupils, parents, community groups, the education authority and unions should be consulted on drafts before final approval by the governing body. The policy should then be distributed, publicised and discussed widely, and include staff training.

The policy should be clearly identifiable but can be combined with another policy such as equal opportunities. It should include an action plan. A good policy will:

* set out the school’s commitment to tackling racial discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity and explain what this means;

* give details of how the school will regularly monitor and assess effectiveness;

* define roles and responsibilities;

* explain what the school will do if the policy is not followed.

Regular assessment of effectiveness is essential. Make it a regular feature of governor business - perhaps within the terms of reference of a relevant committee. It may be helpful to focus on the following areas:

* employment of staff, training and career development;

* involving parents and guardians;

* preparing pupils for a multi-ethnic society;

* dealing with racist incidents.

Remember that the duty is not fulfilled with the production of a policy statement alone - there will be implications for employment practices, staff training, collecting and monitoring information and curriculum delivery.

And the Commission for Racial Equality has powers to intervene in schools that fail to meet this duty.

These guidelines are taken from the ‘Statutory Code of Practice on the Duty to Promote Racial Equality: a Guide for Schools’ issued by the Commission for Racial Equality, which gives practical guidance to school governing bodies on how to meet the general duty. A full copy is available at: www.cre.gov.ukdutyduty_pack.html