Introduction

In today’s shifting political and social landscape, it is more important than ever that schools and educational settings remain safe, inclusive spaces for all children and young people. This includes providing understanding, affirmation, and protection for those who identify as LGBTQ+.

At the heart of safeguarding is the recognition that every child has the right to feel safe, seen, and supported—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. In the face of public discourse that can sometimes feel polarising or unsafe, our role as educators and safeguarding professionals is to offer clarity, compassion, and a consistent commitment to every young person's wellbeing.

This page offers guidance, resources, and good practice to help staff confidently support LGBTQ+ children and young people. Together, we can build an environment where diversity is celebrated, and all students are empowered to thrive.

Local Resources

• Freedom - OTR Freedom is OTR’s LGBTQIA+ youth programme, providing a safe, joyful and supportive space for young people aged 11-25 who are LGBTQIA+ or are exploring their gender and sexuality.
• Youth Moves LGBTQ+ group in Knowle West | Youth Moves - The club provides LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-19 somewhere safe to go, something to do and someone to talk to. A place to chill out, meet friends, and get involved in trips and much more.
• Proud to be | LGBTQ+ group | Creative Youth Network - we welcome any young people aged 11-19 who identify as LGBTQIA+, including those questioning their gender/sexuality. It is a safe place to be yourself free of judgment and build new connections.
• SARI - Stand Against Racism & Inequality - SARI provides free and confidential support to anyone who is targeted by hate for their race, faith, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity, age, gender, or sex. 
• LGBTQ+ Young People's Services - The Diversity Trust - Our LGBTQ+ youth projects are open to any Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or Questioning (LGBTQ+) young person between the ages of 13 and 19. We also provide support to schools, colleges, youth groups, youth centres; as well as one-to-one mentoring support for LGBTQ+ young people, their parents and families.

National support

• Switchboard- Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. We can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling.
• Homepage - Mermaids - Mermaids supports transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care.
• Galop - the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity - supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.

Resources for Professionals

• Best practice, toolkits & resources | Stonewall - best practice guidance and policy templates, posters or lesson packs written by a qualified teacher
• Trans Inclusion Schools Toolkit 2024 - Brighton and Hove (2024) - This toolkit has been produced to support staff and governors in Brighton & Hove schools to make informed decisions about how to promote the welfare of students who are gender exploring or meet the definition of being transgender.
• Political impartiality in schools - GOV.UK - supports those working with and in schools to understand the relevant legal duties
• Information for Educators – Gender Identity Research & Education Society (GIRES) - a set of resources for professionals working in the education sector. 
• LGBTQI+ mental health | Anna Freud - LGBTQI+ mental health Supported by a resource to support the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex young people
• Inspecting teaching of the protected characteristics in schools - GOV.UK - This guidance explains Ofsted’s approach on inspection to evaluating how schools support pupils’ personal development and meet their duties in relation to teaching pupils about the protected characteristics, including the DfE’s statutory guidance.