Top LGBT marks for council

EQUALITY charity Stonewall has placed Leicestershire County Council‘s anti-bullying team in its top 10 local authorities for tackling bullying and LGBT issues in schools.

The charity, which campaigns for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, ranked Leicestershire sixth, three places higher than last year, for the efforts it puts in to stop bullying.

Sarah Rose is the senior account manager at Stonewall and said Leicestershire County Council has shone with its incredible initiatives, work with young people and its role modelling behaviour in its commitment to fighting bullying and discrimination.

She said: “We have seen phenomenal work from all of those local authorities that have participated in this year’s Education Equality Index – in particular our Top 10 and our award winners.”

The council set up a task force to help tackle LGBT issues. Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council were in partnership with the scheme.

As well as promotion the team provides lessons in good practises and they develop resources for schools, parents and young people.

Councillor Ivan Ould, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Securing a top 10 spot for three years in a row is a reflection of the highquality work of the antibullying team.

“Through innovative and effective approaches, we’re working with schools to improve children’s lives and I’m really pleased the team is continuing to receive national praise.”