Just Like Us releases free LGBT+ resources for SEND schools

Free LGBT+ inclusive resources have been launched for SEND (special educational needs and disability) primary and secondary schools and pupils by Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity.

The resources will help ensure that LGBT+ inclusive education is accessible to SEND pupils, and they have been designed using pictures, symbols and text to support the broadest range of settings possible. 

The primary SEND resources include an assembly resource and a PSHE lesson plan, and the secondary resources include a form time lesson plan, PSHE lesson plans for KS3 and KS4, as well as an assembly.

How to download the resources

The SEND resources can be downloaded for free by signing up for School Diversity Week.

By signing up, you will also receive access to Just Like Us’ subject-specific lesson plans, posters, videos, assembly slides and more for EYFS to KS4.

School Diversity Week 2023 will take place from 26 – 30 June. 

Why LGBT+ inclusive education is needed in SEND

“All young people deserve to learn that LGBT+ identities exist, and that of course includes those with special educational needs and disabilities.”

— Amy Ashenden, interim CEO

Amy Ashenden, interim CEO of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, said: “I am so proud that Just Like Us has been able to produce resources specifically for SEND schools, as their pupils are too often overlooked when it comes to LGBT+ inclusion. 

“We know that many schools and teachers struggle to start their inclusion journey not because of a lack of willingness, but because they don’t have the right resources available to them. 

“All young people deserve to learn that LGBT+ identities exist, and that of course includes those with special educational needs and disabilities, so I hope that these resources will ensure that young people in SEND schools across the UK can benefit from knowing that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated.”

“No LGBT+ person should ever have to face anti-LGBT+ attitudes – whether they are SEND students or not.”

— Charlie, Just Like Us ambassador

Charlie, a Just Like Us ambassador, said: “SEND students deserve LGBT+ inclusive education too – as a trans man who is also autistic, I wish there was more understanding of this.

“No LGBT+ person should ever have to face anti-LGBT+ attitudes – whether they are SEND students or not. In fact, SEND students may well face more challenges, which is exactly why we need to take an intersectional approach to the ways we approach education too.”