Teachers 'Can Join' BNP

Banning teacher from joining organisations such as the British National Party would be a "profound political act" and should not be allowed, an independent review has said.

The Government said it accepts a recommended annual review on whether to sack teachers who belong to racist groups.

Maurice Smith, who led the review, also called for more robust action to prevent the promotion of racism by teachers in schools.

However, the independent panel found current measures to be sufficient.

Annual reporting of racist incidents should be monitored for compliance by local authorities and Ofsted should always report when schools are inadequate on equal opportunities and community cohesion, the review said.

Mr Smith was asked to look into whether there was a need to ban teachers who were members of legitimate organisations which may promote racism – similar to bans in place in the police force and prison service.

Over the last seven years, four members of the teaching profession, and two governors have been publicly identified as being members of racist organisations.

Nine incidents of teachers making racist remarks or holding racist materials have been referred to the General Teaching Council for England.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls has now asked Mr Smith to conduct an additional review looking at safeguards in place in independent schools.

Delivering his latest report today, Mr Smith said: "I do not believe that barring teachers or other members of the wider school workforce from membership of legitimate organisations which may promote racism is necessary at present, although it should be kept under active review.

"To bar teachers, or other members of the school workforce, from joining non-proscribed organisations would be a profound political act.

"In my analysis, it would be a disproportionate response, taking a very large sledgehammer to crack a minuscule nut."

He added: "Additionally, there is no consensus on this matter, and no agreement on where to ‘draw the line’."

Mr Balls stressed there is no place for racism in schools.

"It is reassuring to know that the current measures in place are working," he said.

"The report has also identified that many of the safeguards that protect children and young people from discrimination or political indoctrination that are in place in maintained schools do not apply to schools in the independent sector."

However, Mr Balls said he remained concerned over Maurice Smith’s observations about the independent sector.

"Therefore I have asked him to explore further whether the current arrangements strike the right balance between allowing independent schools autonomy, operating in accordance with their ethos and values, and protecting the young people attending those schools from teachers displaying racist or intolerant views or behaviours that could be harmful."

(PR/GK)