STAFF and pupils at a Bury school have received an award for their work to improve inclusivity for LGBT+ people.

Unsworth Primary School is one of just four schools across Greater Manchester to have achieved full Rainbow Flag Award status.

The title recognises the school's commitment to educate pupils about LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, plus other related identities) and combat homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT), bullying.

Tahseen Ali, the PSHE lead who coordinated the work, said: "We are thrilled to be the only school in Bury to have achieved the Rainbow Flag Award and are proud of all our staff and children who have worked really hard on this project.

"Our children have a greater understanding of LGBT communities but more importantly are confident in challenging LGBT-phobic language and attitudes.”

The Rainbow Flag Award is given to schools and colleges who meet set standards in six areas: skilled teacher, supportive governors and parents, effective policies, inclusive curriculum, pastoral support and pupil voice.

The project is being delivered in the North West by Manchester-based set by LGBT+ youth charity The Proud Trust.

Staff at Unsworth undertook training with The Proud Trust and then developed a PSHE curriculum to teach pupils about LGBT+.

They also put up displays and artwork around the school, updated school policies and engaged with parents.

Rachel Williams, training manager at The Proud Trust, said: "We are thrilled with the wonderful LGBT+ positive work that has been happening at Unsworth Primary School through the Rainbow Flag Award process.

"It is so important that these conversations happen with children in primary schools.

"LGBT+ people are a part of our world, part of our communities, and it is no longer acceptable to omit their existence from education, we must prepare children for the world they actually live in."

The project has been funded by the Government Equalities Office, via the Department for Education.