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Nick Gibb vows to stamp out homophobic bullying in schools
EB News: 24/07/2017 - 11:17
Schools Minister Nick Gibb has pledged to wipe out the use of the word "gay" as a term of abuse in schools, according to the Evening Standard.
The news comes as the Government launches an LGBT survey which aims to understand the experiences of LGBT individuals across the UK and help identify ways to improve public services for LGBT users, including health and education. The survey will run for 12 weeks until 15 October.
In an article for the Mail on Sunday, Gibb said: "Having felt the need to be silent for decades about my sexuality, I am determined to make a positive difference. I will be tireless in ensuring that all gay, lesbian, bi and trans people can live free, happy and fulfilling lives."
He added: "Bullying at school is cruel, particularly as LGBT pupils are coming to terms with their sexuality or gender. I am determined that we stamp out the use of the word gay as a pejorative term."
The Education Committee has expanded its ongoing inquiry into the early years sector to examine how safeguarding can be strengthened in early years settings.
Ofqual has fined exam board Pearson more than £2 million in total for serious breaches in three separate cases between 2019 and 2023 which collectively affected tens of thousands of students.