As we begin a new term, our hearts go out to the families affected by the tragic loss of young lives in Southport this summer. We can only imagine the profound pain this has caused each family. Our thoughts and support are with them and their wider communities, as they come together in this immense grief.
Following this tragedy, communities across the country saw days of heightened tension, disruption, and unrest, fuelled by right-wing extremism and racism. During this period, many of us worried about how children and young people in our school communities might be drawn into the riots or affected in other ways. Many of us have had conversations with younger family members who may understandably feel unsettled, worried, or frightened. The chaos and violence have undoubtedly affected our children’s sense of safety and overall well-being.
Adults feel the impact too, and it’s important for everyone to have space and support to process their feelings. Taking time to reflect and respond to what we’ve all experienced this summer is crucial for the well-being of both individuals and our broader communities. It’s essential not to shy away from the ongoing work to combat individual, institutional, and systemic racism As educators and leaders, we have a moral responsibility to confront difficult realities and work toward long-term change.
As schools in all phases and contexts plan for the new term, we encourage you to share any approaches you are taking to support students and staff in navigating these challenging conversations. Whether through assemblies, workshops, or open discussions, we want to hear what’s working well in fostering understanding and promoting healing. Sharing effective practices and building connections can help us all learn from one another and create stronger, more resilient environments.
At SSAT, we are committed to supporting schools with their work on race, equality, and inclusion. Get in touch to find out whether our Equalities and Race Equalities audits, that take the form of a series of structured conversations with stakeholders across the school, are right for you.
SSAT also collaborates with a range of partners who specialise in offering support, resources, and training to tackle these sensitive topics. We are proud of our partnership with Figtree International and our collaboration on the RACE Charter Mark Award which enables schools to develop a long term and sustainable approach to promoting, celebrating and improving diversity, equality, and inclusion. We’re pleased to also highlight Life Lessons, who offer excellent resources for schools engaging with critical issues.
Whether you are seeking guidance, resources, or opportunities for deeper engagement, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or any of our partners for support. Together, we can continue to create safe, inclusive spaces for all.
To support this important work find out more about:
Life Lessons – Drop in Session 12 September – Responding to the riots – https://lifelessons.co.uk/event/drop-in-session-responding-to-the-riots/
Inclusive Education: Cultivating Diversity for Organisational Success, Ann Palmer, Figtree International (Available on Amazon)
SSAT Equalities and Race Equality Audits – https://www.ssatuk.co.uk/cpd/school-improvement/equalities-audit/
Race and Conscious Equality (RACE) Charter Mark
