November 2011 | E-Bulletin View this email in your browser
   

 

Dear Colleague, 

Today marks the start of Anti-Bullying Week and this year’s theme is Stop and think – words can hurt. This focus is an important reminder of the increasing use of homophobic language and its effect on young people.

Today also marks the launch of Speak Out, our new survey for LGB young people aged 11-19. The findings will update our pioneering 2007 research The School Report and tell the story of what life is like now for young people in school today. If you know of any LGB people within the specified age range please give them the link to the online survey and help us to accurately reflect their experiences and lives.

This month will also see the official launch of the Stonewall School Champions programme. With Ofsted’s new framework, membership of the programme will help you to prepare for your inspection and to produce clear evidence to Ofsted of how you are preventing and tackling homophobic bullying.



Alastair Tallon,
Education Director

    
   
 

News

Anti-Bullying Week  
This Anti-Bullying Week, several high-profile supporters including Scott Mills and Charlie Condou have joined in Stonewall's campaign against homophobic language in schools. Visit our Anti-Bullying Week webpages to see their messages, and to enter our photo competition.

Click here for more ideas about how you can get involved.


Speak Out 
Five years on from Stonewall’s ground-breaking research The School Report we’re again calling on lesbian, gay and bisexual young people to tell us what life’s like for them in Britain’s schools today. Young people aged 11-19 can take part in the survey conducted by Cambridge University for Stonewall at www.stonewall.org.uk/speakout. Share this link or email us for posters to help promote the survey.


Is your school a Stonewall School Champion? 
Stonewall now works directly with primary and secondary schools through the School Champions programme to help them tackle and prevent homophobic bullying and language, and to create inclusive school environments where everyone feels able to be themselves. Ask your school to become a School Champion this Anti-Bullying Week - you can download our model letter here.


Mumsnet Campaign of the Week  
Mumsnet chose to feature Stonewall’s Education for All campaign as their Campaign of the Week prior to Anti-Bullying Week. They also asked their members how they tackle homophobic language with their children. Visit the Mumsnet website for more information and comment on the Mumsnet blog to share what you do.
 

New Education Champions 
A special welcome to our newest Education Champions, Bournemouth Borough Council and Northamptonshire County Council, who bring the total number of Education Champions to 53. We look forward to working with them over the coming year. 


Parents and carers needed
Are you a parent or carer who cares about homophobic bullying? We are holding a focus group for parents and carers on 1 December to contribute to the planning of a new guide for schools on engaging with parents and carers in tackling homophobic bullying. For more information and to take part, contact helena.see@stonewall.org.uk
 
Get involved
  Hold a tea party for Anti-Bullying Week 
Put your baking skills to the test and raise money for Stonewall! Tea parties and cake sales are a great way for everyone to get involved from teachers to students to parents. Make sure you send us your pics! 

Support us online  
Change your profile picture on Facebook or Twitter to Stonewall’s ‘Some People are Gay. Get Over It!’ slogan. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and add why you’re supporting the cause. 



 
 
  Information Service
Stonewall’s Information Service provides information on a range of topics including local LGB groups, homophobic bullying, hate crime, discrimination and Stonewall resources.
 
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Noticeboard

Review of PSHE 
The government is conducting an internal review to determine how to support schools to improve the quality of teaching of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Deadline for this important consultation is 30 November. For more information and to respond please visit the DfE website.

Wanted: your view on PSHE
The Sex Education Forum (SEF) has been commissioned by the Department for Education to seek teachers' views on Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) for the internal review of PSHE. To take part in an online anonymous question and answer session taking place on Thursday 17 November from 4-5pm, please email Gemma Cranmer.

National College for School Leadership consultation  
The National College for School Leadership is inviting input from current and aspiring school leaders in order to discuss the merits of creating a safe and comfortable school culture, and to encourage the sharing of good practice on this subject. To contribute, click here.

Ofsted consultation
Ofsted is consulting on inspection of education and training in England for learners over the age of 16 (not including school sixth forms or higher education). We’ll be looking to ensure that this takes into account homophobic bullying and the needs of LGB young people. Click here to find out more and have your say.

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