Stonewall's Education Champions Programme
Stonewall's Education Champions Programme provides bespoke support and guidance to local authorities in tackling homophobia and homophobic bullying in their local schools. Local authorities work with us and each other to establish ways in which they can address homophobic bullying and promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for all young people.
Our Education Champions Programme has been developed following the huge success of Stonewall's Diversity Champions Programme, Britain's good practice forum in which employers can work with Stonewall, and each other to improve the workplace experience of their LGB staff and realise the business benefits as a result. The Programme, launched in 2001, now has over 400 members.
If you would like more information on Stonewall's Education Champions Programme please contact:
Lucy Warwick
Education Champions Co-ordinator
Tel: 020 7593 1881
Email: lucy.warwick@stonewall.org.uk
Lesbian and gay pupils are more likely to feel positive about school if their school has explicitly stated that homophobic bullying is against the rules
KEY BENEFITS OF BEING AN EDUCATION CHAMPION
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Exclusive action plan and benchmaring exercise
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Free and exclusive good practice seminars and events
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Stonewall representation at two local events or meetings a year included in membership
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Priority and discount booking at all Stonewall conferences
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Use of the Stonewall Education Champions logo to publicy demonstrate commitment to tackling homophobic bullying
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Named Stonewall point of contact for support and guidance
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Access to best practice from local authorities across Britain
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Networking opportunities with other local authorities
WHY JOIN?
Homophic bullying is endemic in Britain's schools. Stonewall research conducted in 2007 demonstrated that almost two thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils in secondary schools have experienced homophobic bullying. Furthermore homophobic bullying doesn't only affect lesbian, gay and bisexual young people: any young person perceived as 'different' or gay or who has gay friends and family may also experience homophobic bullying.
Tackling homophobic bullying in schools doesn't have to be difficult. Schools which take a zero-tolerance approach to homophobic bullying and ensure that staff have the confidence and support they need to tackle it, provide safe and positive learning environments for all children and young people. In schools that say homophobic bullying is wrong, gay young people are 60 per cent more likely not to have been bullied. Addressing homophobic bullying is easier with support. Our Education Champions Programme helps local authorities provide this support to schools.
Local authorities have an important role to play in addressing homophobia and homophobic bullying. They provide a guiding role for their schools, bring their local schools together to share good practice and take the lead in disseminating information to assist their schools in addressing homophobic bullying. The Education Champions framework for action will help local authorities to reflect on their existing good practice and build on their work to tackle these issues in their schools.
Membership of the Education Champions programme is £1500 per year, and is based on an initial joining period of two years. If your local authority is already a Stonewall Diversity Champion, membership is at a reduced rate of £1250 per year.
WHAT DO EDUCATION CHAMPIONS DO?
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Encourage leadership
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Provide a guiding role for schools
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Consult with a range of stakeholders
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Develop policies
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Share information on best practice
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Promote a positive learning environment
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Celebrate achievements
