Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Spaces – Making schools and colleges more inclusive

Course introduction

Educating for LGBTQ+ inclusivity continues to be both challenging and controversial for many teaching and non-teaching staff and often falls on the shoulders of a select few rather than taking a school/college wide approach. Deeper understanding is needed of how school/college communities can better support one another to develop knowledge, practice and resources to sustain LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

This training course will focus on how schools/colleges can create LGBTQ+ inclusive educational spaces, with a focus on gender diversity. We will look at practical ways to promote safer environments that avoid bias and include positive representations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others (LGBTQ+) history, people and events. For LGBTQ+ children and young people attending a school/college with an inclusive curriculum and spaces is related to less-hostile experiences and increased feelings of connectedness to the school/college community. Inclusive spaces benefit all children and young people by promoting diversity and teaching them about the myriad of identities in their communities.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Develop a common inclusive language;

• Increase awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and inequalities;

• Explore practical ways to create LGBTQ+ inclusive educational spaces;

• Look at ways to implement a whole school/college approach;

• Understand what is meant by gender diversity;

• Develop an understanding of how pupils/students are affected by gender expectations and stereotypes at school/college;

• Learn how to make positive changes to tackle gender stereotypes in their own contexts;

• Develop the skills and tools to create a learning environment where all pupils/students are able to thrive, regardless of gender;

• Understand the guidance on meeting inspection frameworks and legal requirements;

• Look at best practice from schools/colleges throughout the UK;

• Develop the confidence, skills and knowledge to effectively engage, communicate and educate staff and parents.

Target audience

Headteachers, Assistant Heads, Deputy Heads, Teachers, Mental Health Leads, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Leads, Pastoral Support, Family Engagement Officers, Attendance Leads, Inclusion Officers.

Trainers for this course

Jo Brassington

Jo Brassington (they/them) is a former primary school teacher and leader. They are the co-founder of Pride & Progress: a platform and podcast which amplifies the voices of LGBTQ+ educator...s, and explores ways to reimagine our educational spaces as more LGBTQ+ inclusive. They are also the co-author of Bottled: A picture book to help children share their feelings. Now, Jo is a consultant and trainer working with educators to help make their educational spaces more emotionally honest and inclusive for all people. Read more

See what others have to say about us

"Nicola was very knowledgeable and approachable and did a great job"

"Fantastic course! Nicola is incredibly passionate, professional and knowledgeable about youth mental health. I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. Thank you!"

"Thank you Nicola, for making what can be a difficult and challenging subject easier to talk about. I learnt a great deal on ways to support young people!"

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.