Practical help with racism

If your child is being called names relating to colour or religion or culture then the first step is to write to the head teacher to explain what has been going on and to ask for it to be stopped immediately.

Start keeping a diary of who said what and when, and who witnessed it.

If English is not your first language and you have contacts in the community, then tell them what is happening at your child's school, and ask for help. Your child may not be the only one suffering this problem. Dealing with bullying can be upsetting and isolating. Tell us about it so that we can help you.

DeadlineThe deadline for bringing a case to the county court is six months less one day from the behaviour you are complaining about, so if the school is unhelpful seek advice from the CRE immediately.

The Commission for Racial Equality does not have bottomless funds so few people are actually represented by it, although everyone gets initial advice and it will explain how to get public funding if you want to take the matter further.

A committee sits every six weeks to decide which cases to support. Decisions are taken on the basis of chances of success or whether a particular case can test a point of law.

Contact us on help@bullying.co.uk if you need more help.

Other pages in this sectionBullying policies / Role of the DCSF / Is my child being bullied? / School bus bullies
Contacting the Governors and LEAa / Happy slapping / Internet safety advice for parents / Internet abuse
Is my child a bully? / If your child is bullying others / Do you share blame? / Dealing with an older bully
Teacher bullying / Home schooling / Bullying in sport / Parents' panel - Have your say
Who can help on racism / Parents' survey results / Moving your child to a new school / Pupils' survey results
Taking legal action / Bullying outside school / Independent and private schools / Parents' problem page
Model letters to help your complaint / National Bullying Survey 2006 / Cyber bullying introduction / Dangerous websites
Mobile phone problems / Practical help with racism / Dealing with racism / Internet scams
How does bullying make a child feel? / Dealing with a younger bully / Teachers' survey results / Adults' survey results
Contacting the school / Access to pupil records