LGBTQ+
Information
We aim for North Chadderton School to be an inclusive community for all students irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender expression.
To ensure we are effective as possible in our commitment to the inclusion of all our students, we have been awarded accreditation by the Proud Trust, having achieved the Rainbow Flag award in January 2023.
Important Updates
Rainbow Flag award- Achieved January 2023
Our work towards the Rainbow Flag Award work allowed us to promote our school ethos, where all the young people at North Chadderton are free to be themselves.
The Rainbow Flag Award encouraged a whole school approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion by developing a curriculum that prepares our children for life in the 21st century and developed strategies to combat Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic bullying.
The work towards accreditation began in January 2022, and full accreditation was given in January 2023. For us to achieve the award, we needed to show a high level of work and commitment in six key areas; we are rightly proud of our achievement and will build on this over the next three years:
Skilled Teachers-The school has teachers who have the knowledge and confidence to understand tackle and prevent LGBTQ+ phobic bullying. These teachers can teach content in their subject area that supports the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community within school.
Supportive Governors and Parents – The governors and parents of the school support the school in combating LGBTQ+ phobic bullying. These wider stakeholders for the school are well informed regarding the inclusion of students who identify as LGBTQ+ .
Effective Policies – The school has effective policies in place to address LGBTQ+ phobic bullying and to encourage the inclusion of students who identify as LGBQT+.
Inclusive Curriculum – The school’s curriculum is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community and it identifies and engages students in these themes through the whole school curriculum.
Pastoral Support- The school has pastoral staff to support students experiencing, or at risk of perpetrating, LGBTQ+phobic bullying. Support is provided for students exploring sexuality, gender, coming out and LGBTQ+ identities.
Pupil Voice – Students at North Chadderton are encouraged to share their views on combating bullying and promoting inclusion of all students including those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Contacts
Contact the DSL or Safeguarding Team for support- Mrs Cook.
Talk to one of the LGBTQ+ staff ambassadors- Miss Berry or Mrs Silby-Lewis
Links to Organisations
Proud Trust – www.theproudtrust.org
Stonewall – www.stonewall.org.uk
Just like us – www.justlikeus.org
Mermaids –www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
Sparkle – www.sparkle.org.uk
The Albert Kennedy Trust – www.akt.org.uk
News
After a year of hard work in all areas of work, in January 2023, we had some fantastic news; we have completed all stages of the Rainbow Flag Award and are now a Rainbow Flag accredited school until January 2026. We will continue to develop our work around the inclusion of this group of students and other protected groups at North Chadderton School.
Events
Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognising the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, way back in 1969.
As well as being a month long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions all of which are covered by mainstream media and attracting millions of participants.
Support
Support is available at North Chadderton School for students who identify as LGBTQ+ or those who require support regarding their identity
Specific, non-judgemental, support will be provided to all students at North Chadderton School through the school’s pastoral systems. These pastoral systems are underpinned by effective relationships between staff and pupils.
The school also has a wide range of other systems that support the inclusion of all of our students.
Below are just a few of the places and routes of support that young people can access in school:
Speak to their Form Tutor, or a key relational adult who they trust.
Access our LGBTQ+ lsocial club which runs every lunchtime.
The following, nationally recognised organisations also provide a wealth of advice and support for young people:
Proud Trust – life-saving and life-enhancing organisation that helps young people empower themselves regarding their identity and matters related to the inclusion of young people who identify as LGBTQ+.
They also have a digital support helpline for young people.
Stonewall – A charity that campaigns for the equality of LGBTQ+ people across Britain.
Just like us
Mermaids – helping gender-diverse kids, young people and their families since 1995. Offering telephone support for young people.
Sparkle – National Transgender Charity.
The Albert Kennedy Trust – keeping LGBTQ+ young people safe from homelessness, with a telephone/digital chat facility for young people.