You are currently viewing New guidelines direct England schools to avoid biased teaching

By Hannah Richardson, BBC News education reporter

Schools in England are being reminded to teach sensitive issues in a non-biased way, under new guidance. It aims to help teachers cover complex topics, such as the history of the British Empire or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, without pushing one political view over another.

There is also a warning against teachers expressing their own views. Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi says no subject should be off limits, but teaching must be impartial. It comes after a row over children at a Nottingham primary school who were encouraged to write a letter criticising the prime minister.

The promotion of partisan political views in class is unlawful under the 1996 Education Act.

This means that where teachers present controversial political views in a lesson, they must offer a balanced overview of opposing views.

The Political Impartiality in Schools guidance, published by the Department for Education on Thursday, asks schools to think carefully when planning lessons and choosing class materials.

It draws a distinction between subject areas which may be part of teaching, such as racism or colonialism, and promoting support for campaigning groups, such as Black Lives Matter.

It urges teachers not to offer their own political views in class.

Schools are also being asked to listen and try to resolve any concerns raised by parents who feel their children have been exposed to an uncontested political view.

Ayuure Atafori
Author: Ayuure Atafori

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