Creating an LGBT-Inclusive Primary Curriculum contains practical tips and lesson ideas so that teachers can easily and confidently incorporate LGBT people and families into all subjects, spanning from maths to geography.

Examples of some of the practical steps covered in the guide include a helpful glossary for pupils and staff, example lesson plans and tips to build LGBT role models into the curriculum such as studying the works of artist Frida Kahlo. It also advises simply giving examples in lessons that refer to different families, for example: ‘Mark’s dads increase his pocket money by 10%. If Mark had £2 before the increase, how much pocket money does he have now?’

The guide comes 10 months before all primary schools will be required to teach about what safe and healthy relationships look like, as well as different types of families, as part of the new regulations for teaching Relationships and Sex Education in England.

Speaking about the guidance, Sidonie Bertrand-Shelton, Head of Education Programmes at Stonewall, Britain’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, 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.”

Research by Stonewall demonstrates why this guide is needed. The Stonewall School Report found that almost half of LGBT pupils (45 per cent) are bullied for being themselves, while two in five (40 per cent) are never taught anything about LGBT issues.

Schools and teachers who are already using the guidance are seeing the positive impact of its work. As one primary school headteacher said: "This guide has been a real asset for me, and I am sure it will be a great help for many teachers wanting to make their classrooms LGBT-inclusive. The ideas and resources are helpful, as well as being realistic for teachers' busy schedules, and offer ideas which can be used across the whole curriculum."

The world’s learning company, Pearson, has supported the guide as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusion and its Success for All campaign. 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. 18 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.”

For any media enquiries related to this release, please contact Consilium Communications on 07496727202 or email jbull@consiliumcommunications.co.uk or dbolat@consiliumcommunications.co.uk.

About Stonewall
Stonewall is Britain’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, working to create a world where every single person can be accepted without exception. It was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality. Stonewall continues to campaign and lobby government to change laws to ensure everyone, everywhere, is free to be themselves. Stonewall works with over 1,000 schools and colleges to help tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and create inclusive environments. They also work with organisations and campaign for LGBT equality.

For Stonewall enquiries, please contact Stonewall Press Office on 020 7593 1856/7, 07985439660 or email press.office@stonewall.org.uk

To get involved visit www.stonewall.org.uk Registered charity number 110125