Session A 'What works: evidence and best practice workshops'

Option 1 | Including every family: getting parents on board in primary schools
Families come in different shapes and sizes and there are now around 10,000 same-sex parent families. This workshop will explore how primary schools in diverse communities have gained the support of parents and carers to use Stonewall’s celebrated ‘Different Families’ materials in the classroom. 

Option 2 | Tackling homophobic language in secondary schools
The School Report, published in 2012, revealed that virtually all lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils hear phrases like ‘that’s so gay’ in school and that homophobic language has a harmful impact on their education. This workshop will look at successful strategies to reduce homophobic language and the resulting positive impact on the school environment. 

Option 3 | Protecting young people: improving mental health and wellbeing
Successive studies have exposed the harmful impact that homophobic bullying has on the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people, with alarming rates of depression, self-harm and attempted suicide. This workshop will examine the critical role that schools, colleges, universities and local authorities can play to make sure that every student can make the most of their education. 

Option 4 | Success through student-led initiatives
Some of the best anti-bullying initiatives in schools, colleges and universities have been student-led and centred around respect and celebration of difference. This showcase will highlight some of the best examples of student-led initiatives with an opportunity to quiz students and staff on what worked well and what didn’t. 

Option 5 | Enhancing the student experience in further and higher education
Recruitment, retention and progression are high on the agenda for universities and colleges adapting to shifting expectations amongst students and rapidly changing educational and economic landscape. This workshop will provide a timely focus on how further and higher education institutions can recruit and retain LGB&T students by providing a high quality and inclusive student experience. 

Option 6 | From good to great: local authorities leading the way
Local authorities have been central to reducing incidences of homophobic bullying in schools during the past five years. This workshop will involve a series of practioner-led roundtables focused on taking your local authority to the next level – whether you’re just starting out or one of our top ten authorities looking to break new ground.