Anti-Racist Praxis Days in Hackney Schools: The Introduction

Overview

In May, we held a anti-racist conference to broaden awareness of unconscious bias, racism and the trauma it causes. We began the journey of working together on how to redress the balance.

Our October symposium has been developed with schools in mind.

The successes shared by our children in Hackney schools has been overwhelming. However, there are some children whose school journeys have been blighted by discrimination, be it due to race or disability. We all have a duty to protect their wellbeing so they too can share the successes of others.

The symposium will continue the conversations and introduce the Hackney’s Schools’ Inclusion and Diversity Charter. In addition, there will be a focused programme of activities  designed specifically for Hackney schools which will be delivered as workshops and consultations across the academic year.

We are delighted to welcome the following keynote speakers:

• The 360-degree School Curriculum, policies and parental engagement: Patrick Cozier, Highgate Wood School
• Inclusion Belonging and Collaboration through an anti-racist lens: Lisa Aldridge and Chris Roberts, Hackney Education
• Becoming an anti-racist educator: Aisha Thomas, founder of Representation Matters
• SEND and Intersectionality workshop: Dr Shonibare/ Educational Psychologist or Dr Abdi Education and Racial Equity Consultant

All school staff and Governors are welcome to attend to:

• Share best practices
• Be in a safe space together to have difficult conversations
• Share experiences with other colleagues working in Hackney who understand nuances of race, belonging and identity in your borough
• Attend workshops that have been designed to broaden the scope by factoring in the voice of parents and children, so often missing from the conversation
• Share good practices, takeaways and strategies that can be actioned immediately.