Education Secretary , the Minister for Schools
and the Minister for Skills have written to schools and
colleges (17 October 2023) to provide advice on how to
respond to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the classroom.
Dear school and college leaders,
Following the barbaric terrorist attacks in Israel, we are
writing to provide advice for schools and colleges. The UK
unequivocally condemns these terrorist attacks and stands in
solidarity with Israel in its hour of need.
The Prime Minister has announced that £3 million of extra funding
will be provided to the Community Security Trust to protect
schools, colleges, nurseries and synagogues and other Jewish
community buildings.
Schools and colleges offer children, young people and staff a
safe environment in which to learn and work.
Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation, and it is illegal
to encourage support for them. This would also be contrary to the
British values that schools and colleges should promote and
embody.
To support senior leaders and teachers manage these discussions,
there are several reputable organisations that offer resources to
teach about this sensitive topic in a balanced way and challenge
extreme and hateful narratives. The Department’s Educate Against Hate
website provides a range of resources to support with
challenging discrimination and intolerance. It also provides
advice on how to respond where you have concerns.
We know that recent events will result in teachers being put in
difficult positions at school, as children understandably ask
questions and share their opinions. In some cases, children may
have been exposed to false or inappropriate information outside
of school, making the role of the teacher in responding to
children even harder. As with other sensitive topics,
teachers and staff will of course be using their judgement and
expertise to navigate these discussions, in a way that maintains
high standards of ethics and behaviour.
We know that young people may have a strong personal interest in
these issues, which could lead to political activity. Schools and
colleges should ensure that any political expression is conducted
sensitively, meaning that it is not disruptive and does not
create an atmosphere of intimidation or fear for their peers and
staff. This includes not only where behaviour appears to
celebrate or glorify violence, but also any expression of views
that feels targeted against specific groups or stigmatises
others. The Department has published guidance to help
schools navigate teaching about political issues.
In the past, we have seen how events in the Middle East are used
as an excuse to stir up hatred against communities, including in
schools and colleges. It is of the utmost importance that schools
and colleges tackle this head on and ensure that
where behaviour extends into antisemitism or other
discriminatory bullying, it is responded to with all due
seriousness. There is also support through the Prevent programme
if teachers consider that abusive or discriminatory views
indicate a wider vulnerability to radicalisation. There
is guidance available on GOV.UK on
how to assess risk of radicalisation and make a referral.
There are trusted external bodies, which can provide support:
- To assist, the Community Security
Trust have published several educational resources,
including those that support understanding and identifying
antisemitism. For concerns regarding antisemitism, the
Community Security Trust provide a national emergency number
which should be used to report antisemitic attacks, alongside
calling 999: 0800 032 3263.
- For anti-Muslim hatred, Tell Mama provides a
confidential support service, with their website providing a
number of different ways to report anti-Muslim incidents.
- The DfE has a Counter-Extremism online referral form, which
allows for extremism concerns to be reported directly to the
Department. Report Extremism in Education
- Start.
- For anyone in the UK who feels impacted by the ongoing
conflict, Victim Support is available
online on 0808 168 9111 (free and available
24/7).
We ask that you do whatever you can to actively provide Jewish
and all young people with the reassurance they need and respond
swiftly to any incidents. We know that you will work to ensure
that your schools and colleges remain calm, safe and supportive
environments, where everyone can thrive in safety and respect.
Yours sincerely,
The Rt Hon MP, Secretary of State for
Education
The Rt Hon MP, Minister for Schools
The Rt Hon MP, Minister for Skills,
Apprenticeships and Higher Education
