More Than Flags and Rainbows: Meaningful LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Schools with Ian Timbrell

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Author

Kieran Mackle
July 21, 2025

More Than Flags and Rainbows: Meaningful LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Schools with Ian Timbrell

Good Morning!

What does meaningful LGBTQ+ inclusion look like in primary schools?

It’s a question many schools are grappling with and, if we’re not careful, one that’s all too easily answered with a rainbow flag in June and little else. This week on Thinking Deeply About Primary Education, I’m joined by educator, consultant and author Ian Timbrell to explore how we can move beyond symbolic gestures and one-off lessons, and instead embed authentic, consistent inclusion across our curriculum, culture and community.

Drawing on insights from his powerful book More Than Flags and Rainbows, Ian shares practical strategies for navigating common misconceptions, supporting staff who feel unsure, and building schools where every student feels seen, safe and valued. Whether your school is just beginning this journey or actively embedding inclusive practices, Ian’s clarity, compassion and deep understanding will leave you with the confidence to take the next step.

More Than Flags and Rainbows: Meaningful LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Schools with Ian Timbrell by Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Episode 237: What does meaningful LGBTQ+ inclusion look like in a primary school setting? In this thought-provoking episode, Kieran is joined by educator, consultant and author Ian Timbrell to unpack a topic which, if we're not careful, can often be reduced to symbolic gestures and one-off lessons.

creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/kieran-mackle/episodes/More-Than-Flags-and-Rainbows-Meaningful-LGBTQ-Inclusion-in-Schools-with-Ian-Timbrell-e35ng4c

Visual Summary

A ‘five-minute’ summary video for use in briefings, meetings or when you’re in a rush.

Tickets are on sale for the Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference in Cardiff. Join us for a day of professional learning in aid of a great cause. September 27th, 2025 - 8:30am to 2:30pm. Click on the image to get your tickets!

Huge thank you to everyone who shared the post last week and across the academic year. You’ve helped more teachers and educators think deeply about their craft and it is hugely appreciated. As a thank you, lets go for our first milestone celebration. We’ve managed to go 10 weeks in a row since the newsletter reboot, so let’s go for a 10-minute CPD session on the topic of your collective choosing. To suggest a topic, reply to this email with your choice and I’ll collate the responses and aim to get something ready for the start of August.

That’s all for this week. Let us know if you enjoyed any of the recommendations or have any questions via the comments section wherever you listen or by replying to this email.

Until next time, thanks for listening.