Kids aged 4 among 15k suspended for racism

Total sent home doubles in 3 years

- BY JEREMY ARMSTRONG

RECEPTION class children, who are aged four and five, are among the record number of pupils being sent home from school because of racist behaviour.

Latest figures show suspensions for racism increased to more than 15,000 in 2023/2024.

It is 31% up on the previous year, and 105% higher than 2020/2021.

Campaigners say standards of behaviour were hit by the pandemic when kids could not attend school.

The lack of social contact is said to have had a lasting impact on children's ability to interact.

Almost 2,500 suspensions in the last year were primary school pupils.

Five incidents were logged against reception class kids. Total suspensions for the entire 12 months are about 80 each school day.

The government says the figures are unacceptable and it is working with teachers to reduce the problem.

In most cases the offences are believed to be behaviour such as using racist language.