BACKGROUND

‌With a history extending more than 170 years, Liverpool Hope University has developed a strong tradition of scholarship and research in key disciplines. The University places great emphasis on the bringing together of research excellence and top-quality teaching. This is facilitated by a community of academics and scholars who are of the highest calibre. This research-informed teaching enables our students to develop into rounded and employable graduates who can take their place confidently as global citizens in the 21st century.

The excellent academic record of our students is supported by pastoral care and, as one of Britain’s smaller universities, Liverpool Hope values the individual – in the words of Cardinal Newman knowing her children one by one. Care, concern and support for students are always a priority. As the only ecumenical university foundation in Europe the University’s work has been shaped by Christian principles but embraces those of all faiths and none.

WHY DID THE UNIVERSITY CHOOSE TO WORK WITH SHAUN DELLENTY?

His name kept coming up in research, when we were seeking an authority on the issues surrounding LGBT+ and school education. His background in primary school education was of particular interest as we have trainee teachers on primary and secondary routes.

HOW HAS THE WORK OF SHAUN DELLENTY?

Prior to his input, this area of equality was not deemed of such high priority/importance by e.g. Ofsted…so his delivered sessions were really timely for our Ofsted inspection. Enabling us to inform them that the equality agenda was being covered in the curriculum by field experts. Since then, many staff have attended sessions on the issues surrounding LGBT+ and how it relates to school life.

HOW HAS THE WORK OF SHAUN DELLENTY IMPACTED UPON YOUR STUDENTS?

It ensured essential sharing of knowledge for our undergraduate and postgraduate trainee teachers training to become primary and secondary teachers. Prior to his input, this area of equality was not deemed of such high priority/importance by e.g. Ofsted…so his delivered sessions proved to be a real eye-opener for many of our trainees who will be dealing with these issues in their schools. Subsequently, they felt adequately armed with resources and the ability to challenge homophobia in schools or to promote e.g. ‘different families’.

DID THE TRAINING IMPACT YOUR OWN PROVISION, IF SO HOW?

Issues surrounding challenging homophobia is now fully embedded and integrated into the undergraduate and postgraduate teacher training programmes. It is also a part of the wider curriculum e.g. even in mathematics teaching, we can refer to statistics etc. provided re. LGBT+ related issues.

DID THE TRAINING IMPACT UPON YOUR TEACHING AND LEARNING, IF SO HOW?

I was fortunate to attend a professional development session early on at Shaun’s previous school, to see first-hand how such a provision could be embedded into a working primary school. This enabled me to confidently inform my students that it can be done and great results can be achieved!

DID THE TRAINING IMPACT UPON ATTITUDES, IF SO HOW?

As an ecumenical university, there may have been a danger that their personal beliefs may conflict with the core messages of LGBT+ equality. However, all students have responded positively to the messages that we have since gone on to discuss.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE THE TRAINING?

Trainee teachers have all heard the positive messages of e.g. ‘different families’ and take this through to their placement schools and teaching jobs. A generation of teachers have therefore been empowered with information that started with Shaun’s initial training.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU THINK YOUR STUDENTS HAVE MADE AS A RESULT OF BEING INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING?

Schools have become a more open environment…for example, I recently attended an assembly led by a non-binary member of the Proud Trust discussing issues of the trans community.

HOW HAVE YOU ENSURED SUSTAINABILITY?

Yes…I ensure input re. challenging homophobia in undergraduate and postgraduate teacher training provision.

Shaun was the catalyst for the quality work that we now do on LGBT+ related issues…without his initial input, we may have floundered in our Ofsted inspection and also in preparing the student teachers for the real-world and real issues that they may need to deal with as teachers…thank you Shaun!