Minority Ethnic & Traveller Achievement Plan for Cumbria

On Monday 7th July, at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith at 9am, Cumbria County Council's Local Education Service launches its new Minority Ethnic & Traveller Achievement Plan. The Plan is set within the National context of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and aims to address all issues of inclusion & diversity within schools in Cumbria. 

The plan has been produced by the Multicultural and Anti-Racist Education (MARE) Steering Group. This group comprises of representatives from the Specialist Teaching Service, Ethnic Minority & Traveller Support Service, Multi-Cultural and Anti-Racist Education Team, Special Educational Needs Service, Primary Headteachers Association and the Cumbria Association of Secondary Headteachers. 

County Councillor Joan Stocker Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says 

"One of this Council's key priorities is to promote and further develop an inclusive education system in the area and this Plan aims to do just that. We recognise the positive work already taking place in our schools promoting social and educational inclusion however with more support this County can provide more inclusive learning opportunities for its pupils. 

There are a relatively low number of pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds in our schools compared to other areas and the majority of individuals and groups are integrated and achieving well in our schools. However, some of these pupils can experience isolation and we recognise that there is a need for a consistent approach across the County to address this issue." 

John Nellist, Corporate Director - Education says 

"Cumbria is becoming a more diverse community, with citizens from a variety of cultures and backgrounds integrating into our society. Our schools have a very important role in helping individuals with a wide range of needs to secure both achievements and inclusion. The recent Ofsted inspection of the LEA prompted us to consider how we could better support schools in this important work. This plan sets out a coherent strategy across the whole of the education service. By setting out this strategy, Cumbria LEA recognises its responsibility to the whole community to take positive steps to raise the achievements of all pupils and prepare them to take their place in a multi-cultural society."