Why is LGBTQIA+ education important?

Ensuring everyone in our environment feels represented and validated is the key to your Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategy. This must include gender identity and sexual orientation.

This is underpinned in legislation, to which schools and organisations must adhere to, including the statutory requirements under the Equality Act 2010 and the Statutory Guidance on RSHE  (Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health education).

Schools and organisations have a duty to protect LGBT+ people and their families and it is a requirement to encourage positive relationships between all groups. We encourage an intersectional approach to the curriculum, well-being, mental health , pastoral care, achievement and community activities.

What do Educate & Celebrate do?

We support you to embed gender identity and sexual orientation into the fabric of your school or organisation.

We do this by providing online training and resources through structured and bespoke programmes for staff, support staff, leadership teams, boards, directors and governing bodies.

Our programmes include services for Trainee Teachers, Council, Boroughs and Unions, Student Workshops, Continuing Professional Development training and a PRIDE in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award. Plus an extensive range of resources for all key stages including nurseries, schools, sixth forms and colleges in all sectors including mainstream, grammar, independent and boarding settings, both nationally and internationally.

How do you make schools LGBTQIA+ friendly?

By taking an organisational approach to increasing the visibility of gender identity and sexual orientation within your policies, training, curriculum, environment and community.

The process of change should flow consistently through the reception area, corridors, classrooms, website, school hall and staffroom.

To support you on your journey with a structured action plan for change, you can register for our pioneering PRIDE in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award. which will cover all of your EDI objectives.

We have also developed a plethora of free resources to support you on your journey, including posters, lesson plans and policy guidance.

How do you develop an LGBTQIA+ inclusive curriculum?

Establish the ethos from the get go: engage all stakeholders in your EDI strategy, identifying areas for intervention by recognising any discriminatory practices.

Take an intersectional approach: develop an inclusive classroom through the language you use and by diversifying the curriculum to ensure all are represented.

Listen to your students: Actively engage young people in campaigning and activism for social justice within your organisation. They will know where the gaps are in provision.

For more helpful hints and tips How to Transform your school into an LGBT+ friendly place written by Dr Elly Barnes MBE and Dr Anna Carlile is a practical guide for nursery, primary and secondary teachers and is available to buy in our bookstore here

Key benefits of online training

Here at E&C all our training is online using Zoom. There are many benefits to online training, the most obvious being Sustainability for both parties (time, cost and travel) but it has also been proved that online training is more effective for a number of other reasons including:

  • Retention of Information -  Research suggests that online learning has been shown to increase retention of information. People are more comfortable in their own learning environment and therefore concentrate more.
  • Confidentiality - People will naturally get involved when there is anonymity. There is naturally more interaction than in a non virtual setting.
  • Flexibility & Convenience -  Online training enables us to deliver training to you at a time that is convenient for everyone, day (and often during the night!). Everyone is able to log in from wherever they may be. We work with many schools and organisations overseas and are always happy to work within their hours of business, something we would be unable to do without great cost, travel and of course; time.

Our webinars are virtual lecture halls that can host up to 1,000 participants.  Attendees can interact via the Q&A, chat and participate in polls, anonymously. Plus we can have designated panelists that are able to share their screen, video and audio. Attendance records can also be shared with the designated lead for each session.

Going for Gold!

Sam Coles, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at BMet, talks about their journey with E&C to achieve their GOLD PRIDE in EDI Award. They have ensured that their policies, training, community, environment & curriculum are LGBTQIA+ inclusive to create consistency and a safe environment for everyone.

'All teachers in all schools need this type of training, it should be essential CPD. I'll actively encourage more to engage. Thanks so much from a parent whose child has gone through hell with homophobic bullies.'

'Covered a huge amount of information, was interesting and engaging. Dr Barnes is a great presenter, thank you.'

'A reminder for schools to fully embrace EDI, thank you, very informative.
Excellent content, excellent slides, excellent presentation.'