A leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charity has published an LGBT-inclusive curriculum guide for primary schools in the UK.
The Stonewall guide offers tips and lessons for teachers to incorporate topics and people from the LGBT community into all subjects.
The guide also offers a glossary of terms, lesson plans and tips to include LGBT role models, like World War Two computer scientist Alun Turing and queer artist Frida Kahlo, into the curriculum.
The move comes 10 months before all primary schools in England and Wales are required to offer healthy relationship education as part of Relationships and Sex Education.
Learning about different kinds of families from a young age helps create inclusive environments so everyone feels they belong
Sidonie Bertrand-Shelton, head of education programmes at Stonewall, said: “All children deserve an education which reflects the world that we live in, and teaches them to celebrate and embrace diversity.
“LGBT-inclusive education is about teaching that some children have two mums or two dads. Learning about different kinds of families from a young age helps create inclusive environments so everyone feels they belong.
“Our new school guide will support primary school teachers and leaders to deliver an LGBT-inclusive curriculum, so every young person feels safe, included and able to reach their full potential.”
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The Stonewall School Report found that almost half of LGBT pupils are bullied for being themselves, while two in five are never taught anything about LGBT issues.
Educational publisher Pearson is supporting the initiative as part of its Success For All Campaign to encourage inclusion in key stages 1 and 2.
Sharon Hague, senior vice-president for UK Schools at Pearson, said: “We believe in equal opportunities for all learners, whatever their background, ability, sexuality or identity.
“Eighteen months ago, we proudly supported Stonewall’s first inclusive curriculum guide for secondary schools and following the hugely positive impact it has had on teachers, pupils and families across the country, we are delighted to once again support the new guide for primary schools.”
