Creating an Anti-Racist Curriculum for Children with Special Educational Needs

""Priya Bhagrath is a transformative headteacher committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable education for all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In her narrative, she accommodates diverse learning needs and promotes the importance of representation. In modern Britain, the importance of being an anti-racist school is paramount. Priya is at the forefront of this mission, embedding anti-racist values that challenge biases and celebrate the contributions of Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities. Priya's vision for education is one of equality, respect and opportunity, where every student - regardless of balckground or ability, feels a profound sense of belonging."" - Sheetal Smith-Batish, School Senior Leader ""Creating an Anti-Racist Curriculum for Children with Special Educational Needs is a compelling call to action for educators and school leaders committed to transforming their curriculum into one that reflects and celebrates the diversity of today’s classrooms. This book goes beyond the superficial, delving deeply into the complexities involved in devising and implementing an anti-racist curriculum within a SEND environment. Through well-researched insights, Bhagrath exposes the systemic inequities in education, offering inspiration and practical steps for nurturing inclusivity and allyship in school communities. Subtitled Moving Beyond Saris, Samosas and Steel Drums, reflecting current practice, the author uses personal experiences and insights to give readers a profound understanding of the urgency and challenges of embedding anti-racism into every level of the education system. She skilfully unpacks topics such as cultural competency, intersectionality, and the critical role of leadership, making it an essential guide for all SEN schools seeking to build an educational environment where students, regardless of race or ability, feel noticed and valued. This is not just a book—it’s a timely roadmap for meaningful change in our schools."" - Dr Mike Baldwin, SEND teacher and author ""Priya's powerful narrative not only highlights the pressing issues but also inspires hope and action, fuelling our collective efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape [...] offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for schools, making it a must-read for educators, parents, and individuals interested in this field [...]. An indispensable resource"" - Frances Akinde, Education Advisor, SEND consultant and author of Be an Ally not a Bystander “Priya has written a profoundly important and timely book. She blends lived experiences with research and an analysis of what is going wrong in our schools. And yet, it is also full of hope, providing possible solutions to stem the tsunami of systemic racism in schools. Priya advocates for not just the SEND sector, but for all schools and all educators. She has crammed so much intense wisdom into these pages that you will not be unmoved by her polemic. This is an essential book for all working in education - from ITT to HE."" - Keziah Featherstone, Co-founder of Women’s Ed