At The Oaks School, we believe it is essential to ensure our pupils get the best possible start in life, part of which is giving pupils the opportunity to feel proud and secure in themselves. We believe in collectively taking steps to create a truly inclusive learning environment and promote equality of opportunity between pupils. We actively encourage pupils to enquire and learn about minority groups in order to foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.
In order for pupils within the LGBT+ community to feel safe, valued and equal, we celebrate LGBT+ dates and events and ensure that we have inclusive content included in the curriculum, in assemblies and through our library books.
As part of our support of pupils who have protected characteristics, we visibly act against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) bullying every time they happen.
Any pupil is welcome to access our safe space (Rainbow Room) where pupils from the LGBT+ community and allies can come together to discuss important issues and to help promote positive change. We have a dedicated number of staff who have completed Stonewall approved training to support and provide assistance to pupils who are struggling, need someone to talk to or simply to ask questions.
We encourage all of our pupils to look out for one another regardless of their characteristics. They know who key members of staff are in relation to LGBT+ issues and can identify a member of staff that they, or a person they care about is in need of support.
The Oaks Secondary School,
Rock Road, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 7DB
Tel: 01388 827380