Measures to tackle racism in primary schools are failing, campaigners have claimed, after hundreds of incidents were revealed in council records.

There have been 343 reports of racial harassment - including name calling and children refusing to work with each other because of their race among pupils in Sutton's primary schools since 2009.

The figures were released by Sutton Council following a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

Campaigners said it is good incidents are getting reported but the figures show measures to combat racism are failing.

Ex-top-flight footballer and former Wallington man Paul Mortimer, who now works in schools for anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card, said the council needs to look at changing its tactics.

The ex-Aston Villa and Crystal Palace star said: "The fact the number of incidents is not falling shows not enough is being done.

"Teachers need training and to be taught what racism is.

"Many teachers don't have any experiences of racism, so how can we expect them to teach our youngsters?"

Mr Mortimer, who now lives in Purley, said punishments handed out to Chelsea captain John Terry and Liverpool forward Luis Suarez for racist incidents in recent years showed there was still a lack of understanding of the issue.

He added: "People don't always see what impact racism has on a young person and when an incident like Terry or Suarez is seen by millions youngsters around the world, and they are slapped on the wrist, it doesn't send out a good signal."

Sue Smith, secretary of the Sutton Teachers Committee, said she was "saddened" by the figures, but said they need to be put into perspective.

 

She said: "There are nearly 50 primary schools in the borough and 195 official school days.

"Any incident of racism I'm sure is dealt with robustly in schools."

The majority of verbal incidents recorded were name calling. Last year there were two incidents which involved targeting what somebody was wearing.

Since 2009 there have four incidents where a pupil has refused to work with another on race grounds.

Councillor Dave Callaghan, chairman of Sutton Council's children, family and education committee said: "Schools pro-actively and consistently address this issue and the reported levels indicate that pupils and families continue to be encouraged to report any incidents which occur."