The Rainbow Flag Award is a quality assurance framework for schools, primary and secondary. Through a process of self-assessment and ongoing monitoring and feedback, schools will determine how well they are providing safe and supportive environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning (LGBTQ+) students, taking a whole school approach.

We have now achieved all of the accreditations listed below as part of the Rainbow Flag Award.

 

In February 2023 we were awarded the first level of the accreditation: Skilled Teacher

The award focusses on six key areas:

 

 

 

 

 

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 it is usual to 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

  • We will empower the children to feel safe in our school community;
  • They will feel respected;
  • And if they wish to talk, they will be listened to;
  • If a child wished to talk, then as we are a primary school, we would ensure that the child knew that they didn’t have to label themselves now, that there is no pressure unless they wish to use a label and let them know that they may change how they feel and the label they give themselves throughout their lives – having a label is a choice;
  • If we improve the visibility of LGBTQ+ 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 in their communities;
  • School policies will adopt an inclusive approach to all minority groups.

“As a Governor of Westcliff, I stand committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where every child can flourish, regardless of their background, identity, or orientation. We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our school community, and we wholeheartedly support initiatives like the Rainbow Award, which promote acceptance, respect, and equality for all”.   Mr Kenny

“As the staff governor, I am invested in ensuring that Westcliff Primary Academy is an inclusive school that celebrates individuality.  I will act as an inclusive leader to ensure that all staff and children at Westcliff feel that they belong. I will empower and support staff to be positive role models for equality and diversity”.   Mrs Jenks 

 

We were awarded the following awards in May 2023

  

Rainbow Flag Award - Feedback/Evidence Review Sheets

Updated: 12/06/2023 198 KB
Updated: 12/06/2023 205 KB

 

In March 2024 we achieved the final stage of accreditation:

 

LGBTQ+ in PSHE

Please CLICK HERE link below to find out more about how LGBTQ+ is taught within our PSHE curriculum. 

 

LGBTQ+ Helplines and Support

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

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 life saving 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.

URPotential supports a wide range of people & organisations, from ages 10 up to 110! They provide lots of support opportunities, including community groups, volunteering, training & employment & wellbeing support.