What is it?
The Rainbow Flag Award has been set up as a framework for schools. The award focuses on positive inclusion of the LGBT+ community and it is a whole school inclusive approach that also develops strategies to effectively challenge phobic bullying.
Rainbow Flag Award Update
🌈 Exciting News from Ark Charter Academy! 🌈
We are thrilled to announce that Ark Charter Academy has achieved all 6 milestones of the Rainbow Flag Award! 🎉 This incredible accomplishment reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Our journey doesn't stop here – we are excited to continue building on the fantastic work we've already achieved. Together, we will keep fostering a community where everyone feels valued and respected.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this success. Let's keep the momentum going! 💪✨
Certificate of Completion
We are incredibly proud to have been presented with the certificate of completion from The allSorts Youth Project on behalf of the The Rainbow Flag Award.
This supports our children by:
- Providing an awareness that people live their lives in different ways;
- Acknowledging that it is usual to have families of different dynamics;
- Acknowledging that it is usual to be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans;
- Having an awareness that if we use these terms in a negative way, it can hurt people’s feelings;
- Avoiding the prejudiced use of stereotypes;
- Confidence / reassurance to be who they want to be.
Our School
- We will empower the children to feel safe in our school community;
- They will feel respected;
- And if they wish to talk, they will be listened to;
- If a child wished to talk, then as we are a secondary school, we would ensure that the child knew that they didn’t have to label themselves now, that there is no pressure unless they wish to use a label and let them know that they may change how they feel and the label they give themselves throughout their lives – having a label is a choice;
- If we improve the visibility of LGBT to be accepted as part of our diverse world then the children will grow up to be respectful and inclusive of all those around them in their communities;
- School policies will adopt an inclusive approach to all minority groups.
Lessons
Initially, students will be introduced to the aims of the Rainbow Flag Award and the terminology of the LGBT community in their classes as a stand alone Rainbow Flag lesson. Parents will be informed as and when these lessons will take place, which will include sharing a book that prompts discussion at age appropriate levels. . After this, we will be delivering an inclusive curriculum for example: if a lesson introduces an important person, then their identity would be mentioned e.g. Andy Warhol was a gay man and most famous for his painting of Marilyn Monroe - the focus will be on the art skills of the artist but the lesson has been inclusive of LGBT people. We will also celebrate National diversity days.
Parent and Governor Pledges
We asked our Governors and parent community to make pledges to support the inclusivity and diversity of our school. See below some of the pledges people have made so far:
- "We pledge to understand how our work affects every member of our school community and to ensure that our efforts reflect the equality and diversity present within it."
- "We pledge to empower and support school staff to be positive role models for equality and diversity."
- "We pledge to understand the impact of our work on all members of our school community and for our work to reflect the equality and diversity within our school community."
- "We pledge to care, protect and nurture every child with compassion, kindness and understanding in our fully inclusive environment."
- My Spouse and I as parents and members of this community, pledge to uphold the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Together, we commit to:
1. Fostering a Welcoming Environment: We pledge to care for, protect, and nurture every child, celebrating their unique identities and abilities with compassion, kindness, and understanding.
2. Championing Diversity: We pledge to embrace and honor the richness of cultures, beliefs, and perspectives that make our community stronger and more united.
3. Empowering Role Models: We pledge to support school staff as they lead by example, modeling fairness, respect, and equity in all interactions.
4. Encouraging Growth and Respect: We pledge to inspire our children to value differences, build meaningful connections, and treat others with empathy and respect.
In our shared commitment, we strive to create a fully inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, empowered, and able to thrive."
- "I pledge to support the school in its endeavors to provide a safe environment where every child feels comfortable, valued and encouraged to reach their potential."
Terminology
How you feel about others
Orientation – Who you are attracted to – Who you fancy
Lesbian – A woman attracted to another woman
Gay – Attracted to a person of the same gender
Bi – Attracted to your own gender and other genders
Straight – Attracted to a person of the opposite gender
How you feel about yourself
Trans – How you feel on the inside
Gender – A part of your identity
Links
'Church of England schools must ensure that their pupils are secure and able to make excellent progress whatever their background. They are invited into a school that aims to provide an education which leads to an abundant life. Every person in the school community is a child of God. At the heart of Christian distinctiveness in schools is an upholding of the worth of each person: all are Imago Dei – made in the image of God – and are loved unconditionally by God. The hallmark of authentic, life-giving relationships is recognition of the sacredness of the other so that all are welcomed wholeheartedly and with reverence. Each person in all their unique difference should be able to thrive, irrespective of physical appearance, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, academic ability, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.'
'No matter what type of school they attend, it is important that all children leave with an understanding of the world they are growing up in, having learned how to live alongside, and show respect for, a diverse range of people. When we inspect schools, we assess how well they equip children to do this.'
The following policies show the inclusivity of LGBT+ people in a diverse school: Anti-bullying policy, Child protection and Safeguarding policy, RSHE policy, PE policy and the Equality Statement..
The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for primary schools, secondary schools, SEND schools and colleges. The award focuses on positive LGBT+, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities), inclusion and visibility.
Support groups in Portsmouth
4U, 4Me and 4Us Youth Groups
The 4U, 4Me and 4Us Youth Groups exist in the city to support children and young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender variant or who are questioning their gender identity or sexuality.
An experienced, skilled youth team offers a weekly youth group in a safe, secure and supportive environment. There are activities each week designed to help to improve self-esteem, give young people a social outlet in which to make new friends and to provide information to support them as they move into adulthood.
To access the groups, the child, young person or family member will first need to have a conversation with our Specialist Support Worker to establish if the group is right for them, or whether alternative support would be more suitable. To arrange time to speak with the team, email LGBTYoungPeople@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or to make a referral complete the referral form with the appropriate contact details of the young person, parent or their support worker.
- For 13-19 year-olds: There is 4U Youth Group. Tuesdays 6pm – 9pm
- For 18-25 year-olds: There is the 4Me Youth Group. Thursdays 7pm – 9pm.
- For Under 13s & Parents & Carers: There is the 4Us Group. Alternate Mondays 5pm -7.30pm. This is an alternated learning and peer support group, with a facilitated youth group for under 13s once a month.
The Youth Group space has step-free access and an accessible toilet, although some of the hallways are quite narrow. If you have any questions about access, please contact us for more information and we will be happy to help.
Useful links
The following links are useful for young people, parents and professionals:
- Allsorts – Allsorts Youth Project produces a wide range of publications for young people and professionals, organisations & groups working with LGBT+ Youth.
- Beyond Reflections (formerly Chrysalis)– Beyond Reflections support trans, non-binary and questioning adults, their families and friends. They run support groups in Portsmouth and also offer training services for businesses and organisations.
- Gendered Intelligence – Work with trans / gender variant young people nationally through professional and educational services, youth & communities services, and public engagement to improve knowledge and understanding around gender identity.
- Kooth – a free online counselling and wellbeing support service available to all 11-25-year-olds in Portsmouth. There are no waiting lists or referrals, and young people can access a variety of support including discussion boards with other members and advice from trained staff.
- Social, emotional and mental health guidance – Designed for families and professionals, there is clear information and advice to help children and young people access the right mental health support at the right time. There is also information for children and young people to read themselves.
- Y Services – Support for LGBT young people in Havant, Fareham and Gosport.
- Young Stonewall – An LGBT rights charity, working with policy-makers and organisations to improve equality and the lives of LGBT people in the UK and abroad.
- Equality and human rights – Information on protections for LGB and Trans people under the Equality Act 2010.
- Changing your name – Government advice on changing your name legally
More resources
- Young Stonewall – 10 events from LGBT history
- Stonewall have created an updated list of LGBTQ+ inclusive books for children and young people
- TED – Love is love – seven personal stories of love and commitment in the LGBTQ community