‘Good but could do better’.

On 29th December 2006 the Home Office launched a campaign promoting effective ways of reporting and stopping homophobic crime which includes using schools to teach against homophobia.

The guidance, titled “Tackling Homophobic Hate Crime,” highlights good practice from around England and Wales, and stresses the best way for crime reduction agencies, including the police, to do more to crackdown on crime motivated by prejudice or hate.

The charity SCHOOLS OUT, which works to combat homophobic bullying in schools, has welcomed the Home Office’s new guidance to schools, but has said that overall the government "must do better."

SCHOOLS OUT also criticised the Department for Education and Skills for not to informing teachers of the availability of resources, such as assembly and lesson suggestions which are available online at www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk

The Home Office Guidelines are online at www.crimereduction.gov.uk