Dear Mr Walker,

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - INFORMATION REQUEST

We have now considered your request for information and enclose the information you asked for.

You asked:

Please provide the following information under the Freedom of

Information Act 2000.

1) What evidence is there that schools' equal opportunity policies

are effective in combating racism?

2) What are schools in your area doing to promote racial equality

and promote community cohesion? Examples of measures deemed to be

good practice and recognised as being successful would be useful.

3) Can you provide me with any evidence that the measures listed

above have been effective (if this has not already been done)?

4) Are further measures required to either maintain trust in the

teaching profession or protect children and young people?

Reply:

1) This area falls under the Ofsted inspection remit. Inspection reports for Merton schools can be found on their website http://www.ofsted.gov.uk

2) Schools receive guidance from the Local Authority. A copy of the guidance is attached to the covering email with this letter. All schools have a school improvement partner to assist compliance with the guidance.

3) Please see our Residents Survey http://www.merton.gov.uk/council/performance/residentssurvey.htm and the

Place Survey (newly introduced in 2008) http://www.merton.gov.uk/council/performance/placesurvey.htm

4) Merton complies with national guidance and development as it evolves. Localism is achieved via feedback and performance data.

If you would like to apply to Re-Use the information provided or are dissatisfied with the handling of your request please contact the Information Governance Manager at The London Borough of Merton, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX or e-mail [Merton Borough Council request email]

You can also complain to the Information Commissioner at:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House

Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF 
Telephone:   01625 545 700
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

Yours sincerely

Steve Coronas

Customer Service and Complaints Manager

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT

London Borough of Merton

Merton Civic Centre, London Road

Morden, Surrey SM4 5DX

Direct Line: 020 8545 3263

Fax: 020 8545 3443

Email: [email address]

My Ref :

Please Ask For: Steve Coronas

Your Ref:

Date: 15 January 2010

Mark Walker

Via email:

[FOI #24709 email]