EB / News / Policy / Nick Gibb vows to stamp out homophobic bullying in schools
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."
England’s councils are warning of a "ticking time bomb" in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, with new data showing deficits that could bankrupt local authorities within three years.
The regulations have been set following a second consultation and detailed collaborative working with organisations and people across deaf and hearing communities.
The Education Committee has published a letter to the Secretary of State for Education asking for more detail about the Department for Education’s work on developing its SEND reforms.
New analysis by NFER has highlighted the uneven distribution of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across mainstream schools in England.