To inform identity and combat racist beliefs and stereotypes, it is essential for all school children to be able to see themselves represented in what they are being taught and learn about the contribution and backgrounds of people who look like them.

The teaching of Black, Asian and minority ethnic histories and experiences in schools remains OPTIONAL and the government says it is down to teachers and schools to teach them. Our YouGov commissioned survey of British teachers shows:

• Only 12% of teachers surveyed feel "empowered" to teach 'optional' black-related topics such as colonialism, migration and identity against other competing 'optional' topics.
• 64% of teachers surveyed say they are NOT provided with enough ongoing training and personal development to feel empowered to teach diverse topics in their classes.
• 72% of teachers surveyed think the government should do more to support teachers in the teaching of cultural diversity in the curriculum.
• 80% of teachers surveyed agree that introducing more culturally diverse, representational topics is vital and enriching for white or ethnic minority students.

As the findings show, despite the government’s assertions that diverse topics are already in place on the curriculum and sufficient teacher training is provided, clearly that is not enough and the support and desire to do more is there - not just from the 100s of thousands of people who have signed petitions already but also from the teachers and schools themselves. 

It can be done, we have seen that Wales has recently become the first UK nation to make the teaching of Black, Asian and minority ethnic histories and experiences compulsory on the school curriculum. 

It is time to follow their lead and make these teachings mandatory across the rest of the UK to ensure there is diverse representation on the national curriculum.