FRODSHAM Manor House Primary School has been awarded the Rainbow Flag Award – celebrating a whole school approach to LGBT+ inclusion and visability.
Head Teacher Ian Devereux-Roberts said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved this award which celebrates the learning that has happened this year and shows our wider commitment to inclusion and equality here at Manor House.
” I would like to thank the staff, pupils, governors and families who have given their whole hearted support to the project.”
Throughout the year, the school has submitted work to meet the different criteria of skilled teaching, supportive governors and parents, effective policies, inclusive curriculum, pastoral support and pupil voice.
They are committed to the eradication of LGBTphobic bullying and theyhave been working alongside The Proud Trust.
As part of the process a Diversity Champion was selected on the Governing body and Diversity Champions from Year 6.
Members of Year 6 are currently preparing for an LGBT+ History Month assembly.
Year Three teacher Aoife Kelly said the year long journey had made a significant impact on pupils, how they viewed relationships and gender and equipped them with the skills they needed to recognise and tackle prejudice and strive for equality.
Numerous focus events have taken place during the year including a Rainbow Flag Week celebrated in school, including a visit from MP Mike Amesbury, Pride month home learning tasks with the support of families, writing to role models, exploring gender stereotypes and different kinds of families.
They have also been including LGBT+ awareness throughout the curriculum.
Year Six pupil Ava, one of the school’s diversity champions, said: “I really enjoyed learning about the life stories of celebrities. We were able to pick our own role models – I looked at Ru Paul.
” I think it is important for children to have lessons about this to understand that we are all different and unique.”
One of the assessors fed back: “The overall impression I get is that your school is exceptionally inclusive and that great care is being taken by staff to create an LGBT+ inclusive curriculum and an environment where students feel safe and confident to talk about LGBT+ identities in a really positive way.”
Local families may have noticed the “No Outsiders” plaque on the school fencing.
This shows the school ethos that everyone is different and everyone is welcome.
Assistant head Naomi Anstice said “No Outsiders supports our teaching of the Equality Act and protected characteristics throughout the school. Pupils learn how they are all special, all unique and all valued. It gives them a sense of belonging to a far wider society to which they contribute and how we can all respect one another.”