About Exceeding Expectations

'Exceeding Expectations' is a three-year initiative that aims to support schools in tackling homophobic bullying. It is part of Manchester Children's Services Equality Strategy and has the backing of Manchester Safeguarding Children's Board. It's a multi-agency partnership between Manchester City Council Children's Services, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership, Albert Kennedy Trust, Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester, 42nd Street and Hope Theatre Company.

Over a three year period the partnership has been funded to support secondary schools in the city to combat homophobia and homophobic bullying. The initiative provides schools with a variety of resources, training and support. Also free theatre in education is provided to support existing anti-bullying measures and policies.

The Theatre production 'OUTLOUD' written by Hope Theate Company and commissioned by Exceeding Expectations, contributes to Every Child Matters - Being Safe and Being Happy outcomes, as well as mental health, emotional health, well being and sexual health areas of work.

It helps schools safeguard young people from bullying and discrimination and assist in all our attempts to create a safe and happy learning environment.

Exceeding Expectations is co-ordinated by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation:

Schools in the City of Manchester who wish to get involved in Exceeding Expectations can contact Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership directly:

There is a variety of support available to schools engaging with the Exceeding Expectations initiative. Because the initiative is a wide multi-agency programme, there is a breadth of experience and support for schools to draw upon:

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation

A community based organisation able to advise and support on initiatives relating to sexual orientation, discrimination and sexual health. LGF run the Exceeding Expectations Initiative on behalf of the multi-agency partnership. Cheif Executive - Paul Martin is chair of the Initiative

Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership

Relationships with schools are key to the success of Exceeding Expectations, Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership assist with the delivery in school, supporting schools with information and materials and supporting staff through training. Exceeding Expectations contributes to the PSHE and Emotional Health and Well-being criteria of the Healthy Schools award.

Manchester City Council - Children's Services (Education)

The Director of Children's Services - Pauline Newman has strongly supported the initiative from the beginning. The support package for schools is delivered in partnership with Children's Services. Exceeding Expectations is part of the Children's Services Equality Strategy and has the backing of Manchester Safeguarding Children's Board. The initiative is a means of delivering objectives for the city on behaviour and attendance.

Manchester City Council - Chief Executive Department

The development group for the City Council's LGBT employee group chaired by Steve Mycio monitors the progress of Exceeding Expectations. City Councillor Paul Fairweather sits on the steering group of the initiative, and lead officers for Lesbian and Gay Issues support the delivery of the initiative. The leader of the Council Sir Richard Leese has strongly supported the initiative from the beginning.

Hope Theatre Company

Written and produced by Adam Zane, and performed by Hope Theatre company, the theatre piece 'OUTLOUD' has recieved high acclaim from professionals in Manchester and beyond. This highly effective verbatim theatre piece, speaks the words of Manchester's Young People in a hard hitting and memorable way. The effects of the play have been wide reaching, spurring young people to tackle homophobia in their school, review policy and in some instances come out. If you are interested in seeing the piece, having it in a school, or commissioning it for you local area, please e-mail exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk