St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School believes that all children and young people and staff in schools and colleges have a right to learn and work in a safe and secure environment that is free from intimidation, harassment, abuse and fear and where they feel valued and respected.

Being a victim of hate crime can leave a person fearful, isolated and vulnerable and can severely undermine their sense of safety in their school/college and/or community. It impacts greatly on self-confidence and self-worth and can lead to depression, anxiety and, in extreme cases, suicide.

A hate crime is ‘any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic’.

Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted against a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s:
• disability;
• race or ethnicity;
• religion or belief;
• sexual orientation;
• gender identity.

Tackling Hate Crime
St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School contributes to tackling hate crime by ensuring that:

• the school promotes a climate of respect;
• every student, staff member and parent/carer within the school/college community feels valued and secure;
• the curriculum reflects and represents accurately the diverse nature of the UK and the world and addresses issues of diversity in ways that counter prejudiced assumptions;
• false assumptions and stereotypes are challenged with sound factual information;
• they are vigilant for any signs of name-calling, abuse or bullying involving any member of the school
• all incidents of name-calling, abuse and bullying are reported, recorded and dealt with promptly and sensitively;
• all staff are given appropriate training and support to enable them to tackle discrimination, bullying and harassment and promote equality of opportunity.