Report for DFES is worrying news for parents.

A recent report for the DFES has highlighted the lack of understanding within the education system of the needs of mixed-race children. The report conducted by a team from Bristol University and Birmingham Local Education Authority researched the educational needs of mixed-race pupils with specific reference to the barriers to achievement faced by pupils who had a white and black Caribbean background.

Research was carried out in 14 schools in six LEAs (primary schools with more than 10% mixed-race pupils and secondary schools with more than 5%. Quantative data was also taken from the DFES National Pupil Database. Interviews were conducted with parents, pupils and teachers and provide us with some worrying findings.

Low expectations of pupils by some teachers who base their assumptions on a stereotypical view of mixed-race pupils background and 'confused identities'.

That pupils often experience racism from teachers and from their White and Black peers targeted at their mixed heritage.

Although mixed-race pupils make up 2.5% of the school age population, their identities were not recognised and understood in the national curriculum as part of the overall diversity of society.

The report made recommendations to the DFES and A DfES spokesperson said:

'Whilst the research showed little differences in the needs of mixed heritage pupils compared to the needs of black pupils, we strive to make sure that mixed heritage pupils' needs are consistently taken account of. The new Black Pupils Achievement Project (BPAP) to be launched next month will, like its predecessor, include work on mixed heritage pupils.'

'In addition, the Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant fully acknowledges mixed heritage pupils and they are included in the new formula for awarding the grant to Local Authorities. Where local authorities have large numbers of mixed heritage pupils we work with them to ensure that as part of the BPAP any agreed targets also fully include mixed heritage pupils.'

Intermix.org.uk founder Sharron Hall adds: The DFES statement does not say how it will implement the changes to the curriculum recommended by the report nor does it seek to address the racist assumptions of some teachers. The BPAP will not address most of the needs of mixed-race children and by assuming that it will the DFES is showing how little it knows about the needs of mixed-race children. The report is a grim warning to parents that their children's needs are not being catered for by the DFES.

Copies of this research brief (RB549) are available free of charge from DFES Publications, PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annesley, Nottingham NG15 0DJ or by telephing 0845 60 222060 or by clicking here to read it online.

Click here to contact the DFES

Has your child had a bad experience at school because of their racial background?
Click here to tell us about it::

Source: