DLD College London launch LGBT + Support Programme

Ahead of Anti-Bullying Week, a new LGBT+ scheme has been created for students

Posted by Hannah Oakman | November 11, 2016 | People, policy, politics

• #dld-college-london
• #lgbt
• #educate-and-celebrate
• #elly-barnes-mbe
• #anti-bullying-week
• #best-practice-programme

The founder of the ground-breaking programme 'Educate and Celebrate', Elly Barnes MBE visited DLD College London recently to encourage LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) discussion ahead of Anti-Bullying Week.

Educate and Celebrate is an Ofsted and DFE recognised Best Practice Programme which gives staff, students, parents and governors the confidence and strategies to implement an LGBT+ inclusive curriculum to successfully eradicate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia from schools and communities.

Elly gave a presentation to staff at the Westminster Bridge based college to help them understand terminology and issues which may arise concerning LGBT+ representation in education. 

“The whole principal of Educate and Celebrate has influenced everything in our school life, we have changed our vision statement to reflect it,” explained Elly.

This visit launched the new LGBT+ theme throughout DLD College London which has been set up to show students they are entering a safe and supportive community which values equality. At the college, LGBT+ students can find direct support through their teachers, personal tutors and directors of study as well as the Director of Welfare. 

A new DLD LGBT+ group has been devised so students have a place to discuss issues in a safe, inclusive and friendly environment. 

The launch of the new LGBT+ scheme at DLD College London comes in time for Anti-Bullying Week on the 14-18 November. It shines a spotlight on bullying and encourages all children, parents and teachers to take action against bullying throughout the year which DLD is doing by ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone within the facility. As part of the Alpha Plus Group, DLD College also aims to maintain a 'gold standard' of educational quality. Classes are small, enabling students and teachers to focus upon the most effective ways of learning.

Principal Rachel Borland commented: “At DLD College London we pride ourselves on treating each student as an individual and we encourage students to respect their peers equally. We celebrate students from all walks of life. As part of the extended support programme, students will find they are supported equally and encouraged to be confident however they choose to identify themselves.” 

DLD College London is holding an opening evening on Wednesday, 16 November 2016 from 5pm to 7pm, for more information visit their website.