'Since it is never mentioned it makes it impossible to mention, except in a negative light which people seem to find really easy.’ Mike, 17

Stonewall has developed a range of innovative resources and a School Champions programme to help primary schools celebrate difference and talk about all different families.

Children grow up in many different kinds of families. Some live with their mum and dad, some are adopted, others have two mums or two dads. The Teachers' Report found three quarters of primary school teachers hear children use the phrases 'that's so gay' or 'you're so gay' and two in five primary school teachers say children experience homophobic bullying. Fear of bullying can stop children from talking about their families and from doing what they enjoy.

 

All schools have a legal obligation to respond to homophobic bullying and by celebrating difference they can prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Download copies below or order hard copies of Stonewall's resources and materials here.

• Celebrating Difference resource packs

A comprehensive pack with a selection of resources for primary school staff and parents and carers to celebrate difference - at school, at home and in the community. Read more and order

Stonewall programmes

• School Champions programme

This exceptional value-for-money programme helps primary schools celebrate difference and prevent homophobic bullying for only £100 + VAT a year. Read more  

Resources for school staff

• Celebrating Difference - training DVD for primary school staff

A resource to provide primary school staff with the confidence to talk about and celebrate different families, as well as tackle issues like homophobic language in an age appropriate way. Read more

• Celebrating Difference Cornerstone

A cornerstone document outlining why homophobic bullying is an issue in primary schools, what it looks like and how to prevent it by celebrating difference and different families. Read more and download

• Stonewall Education Guides

Practical guides for primary and secondary school staff around issues of including different families in class, challenging homophobic language, working with faith communities and more. Read more and download 

Teaching and awareness raising resources 

• Different Families - Same Love

Posters
Postcards
Sticker sheets as creative writing stimulus or rewards  
Different Families cards and Mother's and Father's Day cards

Colourful, age appropriate resources for display in classrooms, corridors and as teaching materials. Read more and order

View children's pictures around the theme of different families.

• Primary schools lesson plans

A selection of example lesson plans for Key Stages 1 and 2 to allow pupils to talk about different families and difference more generally in school. Read more and download 

• Books

A selection of age appropriate picture and story books for primary schools which cover a great range of issues from families to being different. Read more

Initial Teacher Training

• Initial Teacher Training Guide

Practical advice on developing, inclusive programmes of study for initial teacher training. Find out more  

Research reports

• Different Families

Based on interviews with 82 children of lesbian, gay and bisexual parents this report provides ground-breaking insights into the existence of homophobia in Britain's schools, including primary schools. Read more and download

• The Teachers' Report

Based on a survey with over 2,000 staff from primary and secondary schools on their perspective on homophobic bullying in Britain's primary and secondary schools (2009). Read more and download

View our secondary school resources.

Let us know what you think of our resources by filling in our online feedback form.