LGBT training – 13th Dec To understand what the law says in regards to what a school is responsible for in implementing.

Why do we have to teach it? Equality Act 2010 The Equality Duty requires all schools to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender reassignment. This includes tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. Schools are required to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. They should take proactive steps to promote respect and understanding of LGBT.

Why do we have to teach it? Education & Inspections Act 2006 Duty for all schools to promote the safety and wellbeing of children in their care. This includes the children of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) parents in prmary schools and pupils experiencing homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying. Ofsted May ask staff – How the school seeks to support LGBT pupils and those from LGBT families.

What the data says.. 45% of primary school teachers reported that their pupils were experiencing homophobic bullying. 7 in 10 reported the use of homophobic language such as ‘that’s so gay’ in school. 2/5 trans pupils thought they were trans under the age of 11 ¼ of pupils thought they were LGB aged 11 or under. (Data source: Stonewall training)

Statements made by key religious leaders on the issue of lesbian, gay and bisexual equality We struggled against apartheid in South Africa, supported by people the world over, because black people were being blamed and made to suffer for something we could do nothing about; our very skins. It is the same with sexual orientation. It is a given. We treat [gay and lesbian people] as pariahs and push them outside our communities. We make them doubt that they too are children of God – and this must be nearly the ultimate blasphemy. We blame them for what they are. Desmond Tutu, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town

Statements made by key religious leaders on the issue of lesbian, gay and bisexual equality We affirm our resolute support for… fighting fundamentalism, aggressive proselytism and homophobia, and to defending the values of tolerance, inclusiveness and respect for differences which we all cherish. Open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian leaders

As a school we recognise…. Parents and carers play the most important role when teaching their children about difference and diversity. No parent wants their child to be bullied and no parent wants their child to be a bully – regardless of the reason behind the bullying. No religion condones bullying in any form but we do recognise the school community may have some sensitivities around this area. As a school, we have a commitment to work with parents to build a safe environment for all pupils and their family network.

As a school we are committed to creating a culture of respect, where different and disparate views are encouraged and in keeping with the ethos of the school, is of benefit to all pupils. Part of our responsibilities to you as the parents/carers of our pupils is to provide a safe place for our young people to learn and as part of our commitment to you we have a clear anti-bullying policy that deals with all types of bullying, including bullying based on faith, gender, disability or sexual orientation

All pupils will eventually take their place in the wider world where they will come into contact with a diverse range of people and as part of that wider community they will meet people with different attitudes and beliefs. At our school we hope that pupils will continue to apply the lessons they learn with us once they leave the school.

As part of this preparation for life we are updating our policies to reflect current government legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, to ensure we protect all our pupils from discrimination, and this will include homophobic bullying. As our anti-bullying policy explains, we will work to prevent bullying from happening in the first place, as well as tackling it in all its forms when it occurs.