Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it is his policy that (a) the prohibition in schools of the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject set out in s.406(1)(b) of the Education Act 1996 continues to apply to (i) local education authorities, (ii) school governors and (iii) headteachers and (b) that prohibition includes attempts to introduce critical race theory into schools; what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of enforcement of education legislation, by authority; and if he will take steps to ensure that schools in Brighton and Hove comply with statutory bans on the political indoctrination of schoolchildren.  [115828]

[Due for Answer on 4 February]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for School Standards (Robin Walker): Schools are free to include a full range of issues, ideas and appropriate materials in their teaching, even where they are challenging and controversial. They can teach about contested views on race in a factual manner, acknowledging different opinions, just as pupils are often taught about a range of opposing and contested views on other topics. They should not, however, teach contested theories or opinions as fact.

Political impartiality in our education system is an incredibly important principle to uphold. We are working with the sector to develop guidance which will help schools understand and meet their duties in this area. This guidance will support schools to teach about complex political issues, in line with their legal duties on political impartiality.

Legal requirements on political impartiality in schools fall specifically on local authorities, governing bodies, academy trust leadership (including senior managers and academy trustees) and, in the case of maintained schools and academies, headteachers.

Where there are concerns about what is being taught, we expect that, in most instances, these can be addressed through dialogue and agreement, and simple steps can be taken to resolve any issues.