Rainbow Flag Award – LGBTQ+ Support

We believe that respecting and valuing individual differences and the appreciation of, and promotion of, cultural diversity is crucial if every child is to thrive. We are committed to breaking down barriers and cultural divides, instilling values of acceptance and mutual respect that children and young people will carry with them throughout their lives. In May 2023 we embarked upon ‘The Rainbow Flag Award’. There are six sections to gain for achieving a full Rainbow Flag Award:
Skilled Teacher; Supportive Governors and Parents; Effective Policies; Pastoral Support; Inclusive curriculum and Student Voice.

What is it?

The Rainbow Flag Award has been set up as a framework for schools. The award focuses on positive inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community and it is a whole school inclusive approach that also develops strategies to effectively challenge phobic bullying.

This supports our children by:

• Providing an awareness that people live their lives in different ways;
• Acknowledging that it is usual to have families of different dynamics;
• Acknowledging that you can be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans;
• Having an awareness that if we use these terms in a negative way, it can hurt people’s feelings;
• Avoiding the prejudiced use of stereotypes;
• Confidence / reassurance to be who they want to be.

Our School:

• Will empower the students to feel safe in our school community;
• Make students feel respected;
• And if they wish to talk, they will be listened to;
• If we improve the visibility of LGBTQ+ to be accepted as part of our diverse world then the students will grow up to be respectful and inclusive of all those around them in their communities;
• School policies will soon adopt an inclusive approach to all minority groups.

LGBTQ+ Helplines and Support

Support, information and guidance is available to LGBT students, parents, carers and staff.

Switchboard provides information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity. Switchboard LGBT listens to LGBT+ people, providing a lifeline and calm words to those who need them. You can get it touch on the phone, by email or through Instant Messaging. The helpline number is 0300 330 0630.

The Proud Trust is a lifesaving and life enhancing organisation that helps LGBT+ young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities. It does this through youth groups, coordinating national and regional LGBT+ youth work networks. The Proud Trust has developed an online tool to find your local youth group. You can search for trans-specific, BAME-specific and LGBT+-specific groups.

Mermaids supports transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care. They also currently offer web chat support to students up to the age of 25.

LGBT+ South Tyneside Service

a: The Clervaux Exchange, Clervaux Terrace, Jarrow, South Tyneside, NE32 5UP
t: 0191 4661389
m: 07711591691
e: lgbt@humankindcharity.org.uk