Rainbow Flag Award - LGBT+

At Broad Square, we believe that respecting our school values and celebrating individual differences is crucial if every child is to thrive and feel they belong.
 
We are committed to working together to break down barriers, creating values of acceptance and mutual respect that children and young people will carry with them throughout their lives.

In September 2021, our school was fortunate to be selected by YPAS to work towards the Rainbow Flag Award.  There are six sections to gain for achieving a full Rainbow Flag Award status:

 

We are delighted to announce that Broad Square Primary School has been awarded Rainbow Flag status. 

What is it?

The Rainbow Flag Award has been set up as a framework for schools. The award focuses on positive inclusion of the LGBT+ 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;
• Celebrating that have families have different dynamics;
• Understand that individuals have the right to identify as 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;
• Be reassured that they can be who they want to be.

 

At Broad Square:

• We will empower all children to feel safe in our school community;
• All children will feel respected;
• All children will be listened to;
• In improving visibility of LGBT+ to be accepted as part of our diverse world then the children will grow up to be respectful and inclusive of all those around them;
• Equality is woven through the curriculum and at the appropriate time, your children will be taught in a child friendly matter: e.g. through the use of stories.
• School policies will continue to adopt an inclusive approach for all.

 

This work also supports the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child:

 

       

 

LGBT+ Helplines and Support

School is always here to support families in any way we can. We always act in the best interests of your child.

If you want to talk or find out more information about LGBT+, then there are places that can help and offer support.

LGBT Foundation provides a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi and trans+ people. Its team has temporarily shifted to become a remote service delivery charity due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The helpline remains open on 0345 3 30 30 30 weekdays 9am-9pm, and weekends 10am-6pm.

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, nonbinary 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.

School works in partnership with all members of the school community, being open and transparent throughout. We value your views and always here to help.

Mrs. Bird has created a training video on Gender Equality.  You can access this training by clicking on the following link: Gender Equality Training May 21 MBird(2).mp4