LoveReading4Kids Says
Using his own experiences as a LGBTQ+ educator, Ian Timbrell’s book is a must-read for any educators wishing to move beyond rainbows to start creating true inclusivity in their schools. Full of practical advice and strategies, and low on waffle or linguistic showing off, Timbrell writes with a clarity and authenticity that makes this an enjoyable and highly readable book.
With time at a premium for all those working in schools, any time spent reading CPD texts must be focused on the most genuinely useful and inspiring works – on this Timbrell more than delivers. Approaching the often-contentious subject of LGBTQ+ provision and support in schools can be daunting, but with clear and sensible advice and understanding, this book leads the reader through subjects such as use of language, developing effective policies, challenging stereotypes, creating inclusive schemes of work and working with the wider community.
All with the eventual aim of creating a sustainable and truly inclusive provision. Helpfully there is even a section of useful resources at the end of the book, such as surveys for staff, students and parents, and planning materials to help guide your first steps.
I highly recommend this book as essential reading for all those working in schools and interested in inclusivity, and know I’ll be vocally and confidently doing so for many years.
It's More than Flags and Rainbows is available to purchase in paperback at Crown House Publishing.
Reviewed by Amy McKayAmy is a knowledgeable, innovative and enthusiastic school librarian, living and working in Cumbria. Amy is a past UK School Librarian of the Year.
More reviews by Amy McKay About It's More than Flags and Rainbows
This title is available from the Crown House Publishing website here.
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It's More than Flags and Rainbows Synopsis
This title is available from the Crown House Publishing website here.
It's More than Flags and Rainbows is an inspirational handbook that provides educators with step-by-step guidance for creating truly inclusive schools where every child feels safe, seen and supported.
Thinking beyond the rainbow.
Drawing upon his own lived experience as an LGBTQ+ individual and educator, Ian Timbrell communicates his vision for comprehensively inclusive schools with authenticity, relatability and heart. It’s More than Flags and Rainbows helps schools develop the confidence and the know-how to ensure meaningful, consistent and fully inclusive provision for all. It promotes inclusivity that goes far beyond symbolic flags and rainbows.
Taking schools on a journey towards improvement, this book enables schools to plan strategically and establish an environment where all children and young people can freely express their authentic selves.
Written with warmth, passion and empathy, this groundbreaking book encourages schools to think ‘beyond the rainbow’, inviting them to create meaningful and lasting change for the LGBTQ+ students in their care.
Essential reading for headteachers, teachers, pastoral leads and anyone passionate about LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity in schools.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781781354285 |
| Publication date: |
27th June 2025 |
| Author: |
Ian Timbrell |
| Publisher: |
Crown House Publishing |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
256 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Books for Teachers
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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Ian Timbrell Press Reviews
'Ian has written a book that clearly comes from both his personal and political awareness.
As a gay teacher who, like so many before him, had a torrid time at school – experiencing no positive mention of homosexuality and suffering bouts of homophobic bullying – he writes with passion and knowledge in the hope of making sure that another generation does not have to suffer as he did.
It is a very well-constructed how-to book for educators and anyone who is working in an organisation, taking the reader through clear steps that are not only LGBTQ+ friendly but explore and enable inclusivity.
The book is timely given the challenges we now face with the right wing particularly in America but also here in the UK, challenging the human rights of trans people.
The book takes the reader on a journey to discover the myriad of reasons why the work is necessary, the footnotes and resources alone are compelling.
The discussion of emotional suffering and scarring leading to unfulfilled potential makesclear to the uninitiated the crucialness of the work.
Ian uses a compassionate tone, indicating that we all need to learn – that knowing how defamatorylanguage, lack of representation and silence has a negative effect, not only on young people who know they are LGBT+ or who are beginning to think they might be, but on everyone.
Ignorance leads to prejudice, and it is every teacher and employer’s job to make sure that every student and staff member is safe and in a position where they can be seen as who they are.
It’s More than Flags and Rainbows is a clever title, indicating as it does that superficial signalling is not sufficient.
Ian takes care to guide us through small steps that have a fair chance of success. Then leads us on slowly to deeper changes that will affect the school or organisational culture and its curriculum or policies.
Throughout he offers examples of resources and reminds us to take care of ourselves and find named allies to support us.
So check out the footnotes and the resources at the back and you will have a companion and guide to the crucial work of ensuring that your organisation recognises and celebrates each and every person in it.' - Sue Sanders, professor emeritus at Harvey Milk Institute, CEO of Schools OUT, co-founder of UK LGBT+ History Month
About Ian Timbrell
Ian Timbrell is the founder of More Than Flags and Rainbows, a not-for-profit organisation that supports schools and charities with LGBTQ+ inclusion. He is an Independent Thinking Associate and has delivered inspiring talks and workshops across the UK that empower educators to tackle homophobic bullying, embrace equity and foster inclusivity. Drawing on his personal journey and 20 years of teaching experience, Ian’s debut title, It’s More Than Flags and Rainbows provides schools with the knowledge and strategies to create meaningful, lasting change for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
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