ANTI-RACISM training for school staff should be mandatory, an education leaders’ union said today.

The NAHT, which made its call at the beginning of black history month, said there needs to be a “centralised, anti-racist approach to education” which is underpinned by staff training.

The union said that being anti-racist goes further than simply being aware of racism and involves training people to spot it and call it out.

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said: “Education can play a pivotal role in tackling discrimination, improving awareness and challenging prejudice.

“But we know that racism and racial inequality continues to exist within the education sector, as it does across society.

“[Addressing it] matters for the health, wellbeing and futures of school leaders, their staff, and the pupils and communities that they serve.

“That’s why NAHT is calling for a centralised, anti-racist approach to education, underpinned by regular, mandatory anti-racism training for all staff.”

Mr Whiteman said the training needs to go further than “simply being aware of racism,” adding: “Anti-racism requires action to change and create policies, practices and procedures to promote racial equity.

“We need everyone who works in schools to be empowered to do this, in order to bring about true change.

“We see this as a necessary part of the Keeping Children Safe In Education training, to ensure that all children are protected by this requirement.”

The existing approach gives headteachers and governing bodies decision-making powers about how best to educate staff on their safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.

A Department for Education spokesperson said schools should have measures in place to prevent all forms of bullying, including racism and discrimination.