LGBTQ+ Quality Mark

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark provides a comprehensive approach to developing an LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school.

Belong To is delighted to launch recruitment for the next phase of our support and accreditation initiative for LGBTQ+ safe and supportive schools – the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark provides a comprehensive approach to developing an LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school that includes:

Ensuring that staff are equipped to support LGBTQ+ students.
Creating a supportive, LGBTQ+ inclusive school culture and environment.
Encouraging students to share their opinions and ideas on how to create a safe and supportive school.
Developing and implementing effective school policies and plans.
Implementing a curriculum that supports diversity and respect.
Working with parents, community organisations and other local LGBTQ+ youth projects or groups to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Duration

18-Months

Who’s it for?

Post-primary School
Youthreach Centre

Cost

€845

Why is the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark needed?

In Ireland, 76% of LGBTQ+ students do not feel safe at school. However, research shows that effective school-based interventions can improve the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ students.

In 2022, 57 schools embarked on the 18-month journey to become an accredited LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school.

This year, we are excited to partner with a limited number of additional post-primary schools nationwide to support them in working towards achieving the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.

Upcoming Information Sessions

To find out more about the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark and how to get involved, register for one of our upcoming online information sessions below. The sessions are 45-minutes and will take place on April 15^th, 16th, 22^nd and 23^rd. Sign up using the calendar below.

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The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark has been an invaluable asset to our school community. It has provided us with the tools to assess where we are in relation to becoming a fully LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school. The resources provided are excellent in helping to educate staff and students alike. It has helped us to reach highly effective practice in this area and is a benchmark for excellence.

Niamh Sheridan (she/her) Deputy Principal, St. Joseph’s Secondary School Westmeath

What is involved?

1. Recognise

Recognise and promote existing supports for your LGBTQ+ school community. Together we will identify the key strengths in your existing approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Belong To will provide training and resources on how to do this including a user-friendly toolkit which you can use to identify your strengths and areas for development.

2. Build and grow

Build on these existing supports, and grow as an LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school through inclusive practice and policies. Once the areas for development have been identified, together we can create a bespoke plan with key action areas for your school. Belong to will provide best practice recommendations in line with the Department of Education guidance along with practical ideas, suggestions and templates to support you every step of the way.

3. Achieve

Celebrate your commitment by attaining the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.

Once your school has demonstrated best practice across the key action areas, you can apply for your LGBTQ+ Quality Mark and become recognised across Ireland as an LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school.

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is a whole-school approach which focuses on the four key areas of wellbeing promotion from an LGBTQ+ perspective:

Creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive culture and environment.
Resourcing an LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum.
Nurturing LGBTQ+ inclusive relationships and partnerships.
Supporting LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and planning.

Resources and supports

Membership of our Regional Network of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Schools

Learn and share ideas, opportunities best practice

LGBTQ+ Support Team Training

Specialised training for the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark Coordination Team

All Staff Training

Empower your team to feel confident supporting LGBTQ+ students

Youth Group Training

Support and empowerment of your student council, diversity group or LGBTQ+ support group

One-to-one Supports

Dedicated support by phone, email and Zoom

Resources

Best practice guidance, toolkits, activity ideas, templates, posters and presentations

Get Involved

To apply for the Quality Mark initiative please fill out the form below, the deadline for applications is May 17th 2024.

First Name
Last Name
Email
Role:
County Area:
School Roll Number:
Zip/Postal Code
Phone
Approximately how many students are enrolled in your school/Youthreach?:
Approximately how many staff are employed in your school/Youthreach?:
Please list other key staff who would work with you on the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative, and their roles:
What would you hope to achieve through your participation in the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative?:
Evidence shows that efforts towards LGBTQ+ inclusion are most successful where there is strong support from school/Youthreach leadership. Have you spoken with your management team about participating in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark? Would they be supportive of your participation?:
As part of the Quality Mark process, all school/Youthreach staff are required to complete an online eLearning course (60-90 minutes) and attend an All Staff Training facilitated by Belong To staff in your school/Youthreach (2 hours). Generally, these are completed during staff training days or staff meetings. Will your school/Youthreach be able to accommodate these in the upcoming academic year?:
As part of the Quality Mark process, participating schools/Youthreach centres receive access to resources, in-person all-staff training and other one-to-one supports. The programme costs have been subsidised so that the participation fee is €845. Will your school/Youthreach be in a position to fund the participation fee?:
Is there any additional information you would like to include?:

Education Resources

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