Community events to address racial inequalities in education
- First of three community events for Black parents to be held in February
- Aims to address racial inequalities and increase engagement between Black parents and the Council
- Part of wider Council plan that recognises that children of Black parents can see worse outcomes as a result of systemic problems.
A series of community events for Black parents are being held to discuss education standards and strategy, address racial inequalities and ensure all children in Reading experience fair, supportive and high-quality learning.
The first of three events will be held on Saturday 21 February 2026, 2 - 4pm at Katesgrove Community Hub (Elgar Rd, Reading, RG2 0BN), where guests will hear an update from Reading Borough Council on education, as well as hear concerns that will go on to shape the meetings in April and June (details to follow).
Booking is not required, but attendance at all three events is encouraged, to help contribute to a longer discussion and increase consistent engagement between the Council and Black parents.
The sessions are part of a wider Council plan that recognises that Black children in Reading may experience disproportionate disciplinary action and exclusions; lower teacher expectations and underrepresentation in curriculum; and barriers to parent engagement due to work patterns, trust, or historic negative experiences with schools.
Cllr Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health at Reading Borough Council, said:
“We hope that these community engagement sessions will be the start of a long-term conversation with Black parents in Reading, strengthening trust between parents and schools, as well as embedding Black parent voice in school and local education planning.
“The sad reality is that children of Black parents often experience inconsistent access to academic support and enrichment and can see worse outcomes as a result of systemic problems.
“Increased engagement between Black parents and the Council is the first step to tackling these inequalities and we look forward to the first event in February.”
Cllr Wendy Griffith, Lead Councillor for Children at Reading Borough Council, said:
"Parents and carers of Black and Mixed ethnic background in Reading have long expressed the need for a dedicated space to discuss their children’s educational experiences and outcomes. This includes issues around special educational needs (SEN) provision, the school curriculum, examinations, and wider classroom experiences.
“I am pleased to welcome the creation of this forum, which provides an important opportunity for parents and carers to share their perspectives and raise concerns directly with Reading’s education officers. By listening to these lived experiences, we can better understand the challenges some children face within our education system.
“We look forward to hearing from as many voices as possible, working together to help shape a more inclusive and supportive education system in Reading - both for children today and for generations to come."