Primary ITT - here's how to do it

There's no reason why all trainee primary school teachers can't be equipped with the essential information they need to celebrate difference and prevent and tackle homophobic bullying.

Only got 30 minutes?

Introduce trainees to the issue of homophobic bullying and make sure they know where to find further resources.

At the end of this session, all trainees should:

understand that homophobic bullying can affect any child in their school and what its impact can be on children
recognise that homophobic language is the most prevalent form of homophobic behaviour and needs to be challenged by teachers

Here’s how to do it

Stonewall’s primary school teacher training DVD, Celebrating difference, gives you all the information you need. Show trainees the ‘Introduction’ chapter (5 minutes) and use the questions in the DVD resource book to discuss the issues (10 minutes). Then watch the ‘Language’ chapter (5 minutes) and use the related questions to explore the issue of homophobic language
make sure all trainees know where to access further information. Ensure your library stocks the Celebrating difference DVD and your learning platform links through to Stonewall's primary school website.

An hour to cover homophobia?

In addition to the information covered in our 30 minute session, introduce trainees to the resources available to help them confidently challenge homophobic behaviour in an age-appropriate manner.

In addition to our 30 minute session, at the end of this trainees should:

understand how acknowledging and discussing different families helps to create an inclusive environment where all children respect difference
know how to use the resources available to help primary schools discuss different families and lesbian, gay and bisexual relationships in a positive and age-appropriate manner

Here’s how to do it

Introduce trainees to the theme of different families by using the ‘Families’ chapter of the Stonewall Celebrating difference DVD (5 minutes) and use the related questions to explore the importance of discussing different families and how to talk about it in the classroom (10 minutes)
in addition, show students Stonewall’s colourful Different Families posters which depict different families and ask them to plan how they could use them in the classroom, as well as other ways they can ensure different families are portrayed across the school

Further resources: Stonewall’s Education Guide Including different families has more information for schools on how to celebrate difference; and visit our website for a list of Stonewall recommended books for primary children. Find out more on our primary school website.

If you’ve got half a day to cover homophobic bullying...

Encourage trainees to develop strategies to tackle homophobia as part of their wider anti-bullying and safeguarding work.

In addition to our 60 minute session, at the end of this trainees should:

understand the importance of taking a whole-school approach and working with parents, carers, school governors and the wider community to tackle homophobic bullying
be aware of the role national policy and legislation plays in helping them to create inclusive environments where all children can enjoy learning free from fear of bullying.

Here’s how to do it

use Stonewall’s primary ITT presentation covering all the essential information primary trainees will need to tackle homophobic behaviour at school. To request a copy and find out how we can support you to deliver it, email luke.tryl@stonewall.org.uk or call 020 7593 1885.
Further resources: don’t forget to make Stonewall’s national research available on your ITT learning platform. Download The Teachers' Report and Different Families: the experiences of chidren with lesbian and gay parents from our website.