The experiences of Ealing schoolchildren have been used by the Government to develop national guidelines on tackling racist bullying for teachers and educators.

Over a hundred Ealing schoolchildren from primary, high and special schools across the borough worked together to write a special booklet in the guidance giving their experience, views and advice. They have also written about ways in which their schools have helped them.

The Department for Education and Skills has used the views of the schoolchildren in the development of new national Advice for teachers and educators on countering racist bullying - Bullying around racism, religion and culture - which had its London launch in Ealing on March 7th 2006.

Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said “No child should have to experience bullying of any kind, and tackling racist bullying in schools is a key priority.

“Teachers across London will benefit from the excellent practice and experience of Ealing’s pupils who have contributed to these guidelines. They will form a key part of schools’ compulsory anti-bullying policies, help them create an ethos where racist bullying rarely happens, and ensure that it will be dealt with convincingly if it does.”

Berenice Miles, the council’s education policy officer for equalities, added “Ealing really welcomes this new advice from the DfES and we hope it will make a huge difference to the lives of schoolchildren who are suffering from racist bullying.

“I am thrilled that children as young as five years old have had their voices heard by the government in the process of developing these national guidelines. Ealing has always placed great emphasis on stamping out bullying in our schools and we are thrilled to know that schools across the country will benefit from the wisdom of our pupils in combating racism.“