The Rainbow flag award at Maplewell Hall School
What do we do to make Maplewell Hall School an inclusive environment?
At Maplewell we are committed to making sure our young people have an experience which is inclusive and welcoming for all. We are currently working towards the Rainbow Flag award so that our LGBTQI+ students feel welcome and safe, and so that all our students understand the values of inclusion and tolerance.
It is important that all of our young people are valued as individuals and feel safe to explore and express their identities. This is fundamental to their ability to remain focused and have the capability to learn through being respected and feeling safe in the learning environment.
Part of making a successful inclusive environment is effective education where understanding and tolerance underpins the curriculum, alongside pastoral support which is led by our COMPASS team. At Maplewell we have an LGBTQI+ group run by Mrs Stanton on Monday lunchtimes for anyone to attend (Allies included). This group is for information and building friendships in school.
The Rainbow Flag award
What does it involve?
The Rainbow Flag Award is a quality assurance framework with a focus on positive LGBTQI+ inclusion, for all schools and colleges. Effectively implementing The Rainbow Flag Award will help us meet our legal, statutory, moral and Ofsted requirements on equality and inclusion.
To achieve the award, we must meet the standards in six key areas: Skilled Teacher; Supportive Governors and Parents; Effective Polices; Inclusive Curriculum; Pastoral Support; and Student Voice
We are delighted to be able to say that to date we have achieved the Inclusive Curriculum, Pastoral support and Skilled Teacher elements of the award and are preparing for the assessment of the final three.
Why at Maplewell Hall School
The Governing Body has a statutory duty to implement the Equality Act 2010 in school, including within the curriculum and pastoral policies.
The Department for Education’s document, Keeping Children safe in Education, states that:
The fact that a child or a young person may be LGBT is not in itself an inherent risk factor for harm. However, children who are LGBT can be targeted by other children. In some cases, a child who is perceived by other children to be LGBT (whether they are or not) can be just as vulnerable as children who identify as LGBT.
Risks can be compounded where children who are LGBT lack a trusted adult with whom they can be open. It is therefore vital that staff endeavour to reduce the additional barriers faced, and provide a safe space for them to speak out or share their concers with members of staff.
LGBT inclusion is part of the statutory Relationships Education, Relationship and Sex Education and Health Education curriculum and there is a range of support available to help schools counter homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and abuse.
Achieving the Rainbow Flag Award will help us fulfil our statutory obligations, duty of care and commitment to creating an open, inclusive and diverse culture within our school.
What people say about The Rainbow Flag Award:
“I would absolutely recommend to other schools to do The Rainbow Flag Award... It has really changed the school, for the better.” Head of Year, The East Manchester Academy
“I think The Rainbow Flag Award is amazing, it teaches us [...] about how different people live and want to be respected.” YR5 pupil, West Cornforth Primary School
What have our young people at Maplewell said about LGBTQI+
Do you think people would feel comfortable coming out in our school? (Question from P4A Booklet-topic sexuality.)
“Obviously! This school is more LGBT friendly than most main-stream schools”. Year 9 student.
“Yes, but some people still don’t”. Year 9 student.
“In this school, I believe it depends on the person’s experience with homophobia, bullying etc. I do not think a person should be forced to come out”. Year 9 student.
How does our school help support people with their sexuality? (Question from P4A Booklet-topic sexuality.)
“There is an LGBTQ+ support group, openly friendly LGBTQ+ staff, etc.”
“Diversity is well accepted, knowing that other people have come out makes others feel comfortable. LGBTQ+ club”
Signposting
If you need any further advice or support:
If you feel you would like to know any more information regarding LGBTQI+ and how we manage inclusivity at Maplewell Hall School please contact the school who can direct you to Mrs Stanton (Rainbow Flag Skilled Teacher) or our COMPASS team.
Other organisations:
The Proud Trust http://www.theproudtrust.org/for-young-people – The Proud Trust are a charity who support LGBTQ+ youth. They have lots of help and advice for young people on their website.
Mindline Trans+ is a UK-wide helpline run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-diverse and gender-fluid people. They offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening service – just call 0300 330 5468 (Monday & Friday, 8pm-midnight). The service is also available for friends and families of trans+ people in need of support and advice. Calls are occasionally answered by cisgender allies
Mermaids- www.mermaidsuk.org.uk – Mermaids works with young people who feel at odds with the gender they have been assigned. They also work with parents and carers of young people going through these feelings. As well as reading information on their website, you can also call the Mermaids helpline on 0344 334 0550 (Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm) if you’d prefer to talk to someone. Mermaids also operates an emergency text service – if you need help now, text ‘Mermaids’ to 85258.
We are always interested in the views of our parents and carers at Maplewell Hall School. Please contact Daniella Stanton, Lead Teacher of P4A, if you have any further questions.