At West Boldon Primary School, we are proud to be recognised as a Rainbow Flag School. This is a national accreditation that celebrates our commitment to inclusion, equality, and diversity.

The award recognises the work we do to ensure that every child, family, and member of staff feels respected and valued, regardless of their identity. It reflects our dedication to creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all.

About the Rainbow Flag Award

The Award covers the following areas which we continue to evidence:

Staff, including Senior Leadership Teams and non-teaching staff, can recognise and consistently challenge and report LGBTphobia, and are confidently using positive and appropriate language around LGBT+ identities.

Governors and parents understand the need to combat LGBTphobia through positive education and representation, and know where to go for information, and if needed, support.

Effective policies are in place to address LGBTphobia and positively support whole-organisation LGBT+ inclusion.

LGBT+ people and identities are positively represented across all areas of the curriculum. This includes lessons and activities that are LGBT+ inclusive, as well as those that are LGBT+ specific.

Children and young people wishing to explore/express their gender and/or sexuality feel supported to do so. Skilled staff from within the organisation support them, including through signposting and referrals to appropriate local youth work services.

Student-led initiatives are valued and supported to create an LGBT+ inclusive and positive environment.

What does the Rainbow Flag Award mean for our school?

Inclusive Curriculum – We embed themes of equality, respect, and diversity across subjects and year groups. This helps children learn about different families, relationships, and communities in an age-appropriate way.
School Values in Action – Our school values of respect, kindness, and responsibility are central to the award. They guide how we teach children to treat one another with fairness and understanding.
Whole-School Commitment – Staff have received training and resources to ensure inclusive practice is part of everyday school life. From classroom discussions to assemblies and displays, we celebrate difference and challenge stereotypes.
Support for Pupils and Families – We actively promote a culture where children feel confident to be themselves and know that their families are recognised and respected.

Why is this important?

The Rainbow Flag Award supports our belief that every child has the right to learn in a safe, happy, and respectful environment. By weaving these principles into our curriculum and daily practice, we prepare pupils to grow into kind, confident, and respectful citizens.

Support for Parents & Carers

We know that parents and carers may sometimes have questions about gender identity, sexual orientation, or how best to support their child. Below are some trusted organisations and resources you can turn to:

Stonewall – stonewall.org.uk
Advice and resources for supporting LGBTQ+ children and families.

YoungMinds – youngminds.org.uk
Support around mental health and wellbeing, including advice for parents.

Mermaids – mermaidsuk.org.uk
Support for gender-diverse and transgender children, young people, and their families.

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG) – fflag.org.uk
A national voluntary organisation supporting parents and their LGBTQ+ children.

Childline – childline.org.uk
A free, confidential service for children and young people to talk about anything worrying them.

How We Support at School

We challenge all forms of homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic (HBT) language.
We use inclusive books and resources across the curriculum.
We celebrate diversity through assemblies, displays, and events.
We provide a safe space for pupils to talk to trusted adults in school.

Key Message for Parents

If you ever have any concerns or would like to talk about how we support inclusion and wellbeing at West Boldon, please contact Mrs Garr or Mr McCormack. We are here to listen and work together to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.