Shows
The Queer EconomyIan Timbrell: Redefining LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education and CommunityThis week on The Queer Economy, Ben Ferney interviews Ian Timbrell, founder of the nonprofit More Than Flags and Rainbows. Ian shares his powerful journey from a career in teaching to building safer schools for LGBTQ+ youth across the UK.From the realities of adoption as a gay parent to standing up against performative allyship, Ian’s story highlights why true inclusion is about more than rainbow flags—it’s about making sure every child feels safe, seen, and supported.🎙️ In this episode:Life lessons from 20 years in educationThe adoption process and...
2025-09-1030 min
EdufuturistsEdufuturists #305 More Than Flags & Rainbows with Ian TimbrellIn this episode of the podcast, we are super pleased to be able have another thought-provoking conversation, this time with Ian Timbrell, another Crown House Publishing author. Ian has written a brilliant book, More Than Flags and Rainbows, so we sit down to chat about the future of education, focusing on the importance of true inclusion, cultural change, and creating safe spaces for all students. Ian shares his journey from teaching to founding a not-for-profit organisation aimed at training schools to foster an inclusive environment. The discussion highlights the need for long-term strategies over quick fixes, the role of...
2025-08-1841 min
Thinking Deeply about Primary EducationMore Than Flags and Rainbows: Part Two – From Foundations to ImplementationFor show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the Hey! What You Reading For newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribeClick for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449For maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com Episode 238: In this second part of our conversation with Ian Timbrell, Thinking Deeply about Primary Education shifts from theory to action. After laying the groundwork for meaningful inclusion in Part One, this episode explores what successful implementation looks like in schools and classrooms.Kieran an...
2025-07-2641 min
Thinking Deeply about Primary EducationMore Than Flags and Rainbows: Meaningful LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Schools with Ian TimbrellFor show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the Hey! What You Reading For newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribeClick for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449For curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com Support TDaPE: www.ko‑fi.com/tdapeEpisode 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, c...
2025-07-1947 min
The Bell's For MeLeading EDI Beyond the RainbowWe're joined by guest speaker Ian Timbrell, founder of More Than Flags and Rainbows, to discuss how to get EDI right in schools. Learn how to foster genuine inclusion in school without making it look like a 'unicorn crapping rainbows' and pick up some practical steps on how to create classrooms where every student feels safe, seen, and supported.
2025-04-1118 min
Safeguarding RedefinedSafeguarding LGBTQ+: More Than Flags And RainbowsPutting up flags and rainbows is a great start, but true inclusion goes so much deeper!How can schools move beyond tokenism and create real change? In this episode, Chris sits down with Ian Timbrell, former deputy headteacher and founder of More Than Flags and Rainbows - a not-for-profit dedicated to making schools truly inclusive and safe for LGBTQ+ young people.Ian shares his journey from teaching to advocacy, highlighting the ongoing challenges young people face - bullying, feeling unheard, and the lasting impact...
2025-03-2114 min
Education Leaders | Strategic School LeadershipUnwrapping 2024 | A Year in ReviewIn this special Christmas Eve episode, host Shane Leaning reflects on a remarkable year of Global Ed Leaders, highlighting some of the most impactful conversations and milestones from 2024.Key Episode Highlights:Notable Conversations from 2024:Rachel Lofthouse on coaching in teacher development (Episodes 37 & 38)Arrann Hamilton discussing de-implementation with insights from John Hattie and Dylan WilliamJosh Goodrich on the power of rehearsal in professional development (Episode 54)Jose Medina exploring linguistic oppression in international schoolsSarah Kupke (ECIS) on teacher retention strategiesHaili Hughes addressing the teacher retention crisisIan Timbrell on LGBTQ+ inclusionClaire...
2024-12-2309 min
Education Leaders | Strategic School LeadershipLGBTQ+ Inclusion in International Schools | A Conversation with Ian TimbrellIan Timbrell and Shane Leaning talk about range of topics related to LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools, including the challenges faced by school leaders, the importance of representation in literature, and strategies for handling difficult conversations. The discussion highlights the need for inclusive practices and the impact of local representation on students' identities and experiences.TakeawaysThe challenges faced by school leaders in addressing LGBTQ+ topics and the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of these challenges.The significance of representation in literature and the impact of inclusive materials on students...
2024-10-1534 min
The Art of TeachingMoments with Ian Timbrell: Life transitions, remembering where you’ve come from and the power of hard work.Today it is my great pleasure to share a snippet of a conversation that I recently had with Ian Timbrell. He is a former teacher who now spends his time ensuring that no student has to go through the challenges that he faced at school. We all want schools to be places where students are seen and valued and we all want schools that are more diverse and inclusive for all people. I won’t give too much away here, but I encourage you to listen, really listen, as he shares his journey. He is incredibly brave and it wa...
2024-04-0710 min
Teachers Talk RadioRelationships, sex education, inclusion, diversity: The Late Show with John BeeJohn is joined by special guest Ian Timbrell to discuss RSE and EDI in schools.
2023-10-261h 11
Staffroom SoapboxMental health and bottling it up with Jo BrassingtonIn the final episode of seasons 1, Ian speaks to the amazing Jo Brassington who talks about Bottled Book and how speaking about our feelings is so important for the mental health of our young people.
Jo (they/them) is a trans, non-binary former primary school teacher, who now supports schools, universities, charities and businesses to create more LGBTQ+ inclusive space, with greater awareness of trans identities. Jo is the co-founder of Pride & Progress: a podcast, platform, and community group who supports and amplifies the voices of LGBTQ+ educators, and explores ways to make educational spaces more...
2023-07-1220 min
Staffroom SoapboxGrammar: practice or practise makes perfect?In this episode Ian talks to Andrew Lowery about the importance of teaching grammar, and how the website 'Rollama' can help students rehearse their grammar skills.
Andrew taught Secondary English and then KS2 for 15 years in England, Malaysia and China. In 2021, his school in Shanghai was facing some challenges with EAL, so he wanted to make English SPAG more fun for his students to practise. Andrew and his wife Beth, who makes the artwork, started building a website of mini-games. It has grown into Rollama, which launched in August 2022, and is growing in popularity, esp...
2023-04-1316 min
Connected - The Thrive® PodcastLGBTQIA+ and mental health: what educators need to know In this episode, we’re talking about gender and sexuality and why it’s important to consider them when talking to children and young people about mental health and wellbeing. My guest is education consultant and former deputy headteacher Ian Timbrell, who trains staff to create a genuinely inclusive culture of diversity when it comes to LGBTQIA+. Ian will be delivering two CPD sessions for Thrive in the next few months giving practical tips about how primary and secondary school staff can respond to children and young people who want to have conversations around gender and sexuality. He will also...
2023-04-0615 min
NetSupport RadioOf Primary Importance Podcast by ReallySchool: Ep. 24 - Your guide to RSEelcome back to Of Primary Importance! In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight. In this episode, I am joined by Ian Timbrell to talk about the importance of Relationships and Sex education (RSE) and how schools can communicate effectively with parents about RSE. Ian is an LGBT+ and RSE consultant, supporting schools become more inclusive for all pupils. Ian has taught for 15 years and been a deputy head teacher for 5 years. He hosts the Staffroom Soapbox podcast and regularly blogs and wri...
2023-04-0637 min
Staffroom SoapboxIdentity, faith and RSEIn this episode, Ian is joined by George White, a trans catholic teacher who shares his experience growing up and transitioning during his time as a teacher.
About George: I am a Catholic & transgender teacher of Religious Education. I completed a PGCE in Secondary Religious Studies at the University of Cambridge in 2016/17. I am currently a Teacher of Religious Education & Diversity and Inclusion Lead at St Paul’s Catholic School, Leicester. Prior to my PGCE, I spent 4 years in higher education at the University of London (Heythrop College and King's College London) studying Philosophy, Th...
2023-04-0618 min
Staffroom SoapboxThe Paper Boy: Delivering DiversityThis week Ian talks to James A Lyons, author or Paper Boy, about becoming a self-published author, the importance of inclusion and diversity in our libraries, and a random segment about erotic cakes!!
James A Lyons was born in Oxford, England and now resides in Bournemouth. He has long had a passion for equality and rights of those in the LGBTQ+ community and writes LGBTQ+ fiction for young adults.
He released his latest young adult comedic novel The Paper Boy in September 2022. Previously, he released Doorway 54 in August 2018, which is due to be reissued in...
2023-03-3016 min
Staffroom SoapboxWho's classroom is it anyway?Join Mike Glavin and Ian where they talk about who the classroom belongs to and how we can change our practice to give ownership to the pupils.
Mike has a proven track record of significant improvement at many levels within education, including:
Mae gan Mike enw da am welliant sylweddol ar sawl lefel mewn addysg, gan gynnwys
Teacher Athro
Headteacher Pennaeth
NPQH tutor Tiwtor CPCP
System leader / Challenge adviser Arweinydd System / Ymgynghorydd Her
Senior local authority officer Uwch Swyddog Awdurdod Lleol
Managing director of regional consortia Rheolwr Gyfarwyddwr Consortia Rhanbarthol
Check out his bl...
2023-03-1613 min
Pride & ProgressRelationships and Sex Education, with Ian TimbrellSeason 3, Episode 3This week we speak with the brilliant Ian Timbrell (he/him) about LGBT+ inclusive relationships and sex education.Ian shares great advice about how to plan your curriculums, which topics should be discussed at which age, and how to navigate difficult conversations. A must listen for anyone who teaches RSE!We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode and you can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PrideProgress. You can find links to our other resources here: https://linktr.ee/prideprogressThanks for...
2023-03-1138 min
Staffroom Soapbox145km North: the challenges of rural education in CanadaIn this episode, Ian has an emotional and thought-provoking talk with T.J. Hoogsteen about the challenges of working in rural schools in Saskatchewan, Canada, and particularly how the historical treatment of indigenous populations continues to impact on students today.
T.J. Hoogsteen has worked in public education since 2008. He has spent his entire career working in rural schools in Saskatchewan. Over the last 15 years, he has accumulated 11 years of school leadership experience as a Vice-Principal and Principal, as well as being a classroom teacher, literacy interventionist and coach. Passionate about personal development, he completed his doctorate from the University of...
2023-03-0917 min
Staffroom SoapboxDydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!On St David's Day, Ian talks to Joe and Angharad about why learning Welsh is so important in schools and how they led their department to improve both attitudes to and results of the Welsh language.
Joe Woodland and Angharad Jones work in Chepstow School, Monmouthshire and are passionate about learning the Welsh language. Joe is an Assistant Headteacher and Head of the Welsh Department and Angharad is the Head of Bilingual Development.
2023-03-0117 min
Staffroom SoapboxBlue Jean and Pretending: The story of Section 28In our last episode for LGBT+ history month 2023, Ian talks to Catherine Lee about what life as an LGBT+ teacher was like during the time of Section 28, her new book Pretended: Schools and Section 28, and advising on the BAFTA nominated film, Blue Jean.
Professor Catherine Lee has an MBE for services to equality in education. She is also a National Teaching Fellow in recognition of her work to improve the national landscape in schools and universities.
Before working in higher education, Catherine spent over twenty years as a teacher, both in inner-city Liverpool and rural Suffolk. She was initially a P...
2023-02-2323 min
Staffroom SoapboxDrawings and Diversity with James MayhewIn this episode, Ian talks to James Mayhew, illustrator and author, about his experiences growing up hiding his sexuality, and his journey to become an author, illustrator and champion of promoting diversity through picture books.
James has been creating books for children for over 30 years. His many titles include the classic best-selling Katie series, Ella Bella Ballerina, Once Upon A Tune, and illustrations for the Mrs Noah books by Jackie Morris, Joyce Dunbar’s Mouse & Mole series, Zeb Soanes’s Gaspard the Fox and the Polari Prize-winning Nen & the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton. Alongside his work in pu...
2023-02-1613 min
Staffroom SoapboxNeurodivergent Teachers with Catrina LowriIn this episode Ian talks to Catrina who talks us through the challenges of being a neurodivergent teacher, but also why neurodivergent teachers can be an asset to schools.
Catrina founded Neuroteachers to help educational settings work with their autistic and neurodivergent learners to find simple solutions for inclusive practice. Catrina is neurodivergent herself, having the dual diagnosis of dyslexia and bipolar disorder. She is a qualified special needs teacher and an experienced SENCO and advisory teacher.
Catrina’s particular area of research is around exclusion prevention. She has written two papers for the Good Aut...
2023-02-1617 min
My Family Coach PodcastHow Can I Talk to My Child About Their Sexuality? | Ian TimbrellIan Timbrell joins Clare to discuss how to support LGBT+ young people who are questioning their sexuality. Ian explains the importance of language and the constantly changing terminology around gender and sexuality.
Ian has been a teacher for 15 years and a Deputy Head Teacher for 5 years, in which time he has worked as an advisor and supported schools across South Wales. Ian recently set up an Education Consultancy, where he shares his passion for equality and support schools with RSE, diversity, and LGBT+ equality.
Ian recommends the book Queer-Up by Alexis Caught.
You...
2023-02-1319 minThe Art of TeachingIan Timbrell: His mission to create more inclusive schools, the power of diversity and his painful experience as a student.Today it is my great pleasure to share a conversation that I recently had with Ian Timbrell. He is a former teacher who now spends his time ensuring that no student has to go through the challenges that he faced at school. We all want schools to be places where students are seen and valued and we all want schools that are more diverse and inclusive for all people.
I won’t give too much away here, but I encourage you to listen, really listen, as he shares his journey. He is incredibly brave and it was won...
2023-02-1254 min
Staffroom SoapboxFisherman, woodcutters and glitter; the story of an LGBT+ children's author with Ian EagletonIn this episode, Ian talks to Ian Eagleton, author of books that include LGBT+ themes and characters, about the difficulties he had being gay in school, and what lessons we can learn to ensure effective LGBT+ inclusion today.
Ian was born in Essex. Having 13 years as primary school teacher, which has included being an English Coordinator, Phase Leader and member of Senior Management he is now a resource writer for The Literacy Shed and Authorfy as well as Director of The Reading Realm and creator of The Reading Realm app!
2023-02-0917 min
Staffroom SoapboxNobody is just a .... with Oliver WrightIn this episode, Oliver and Ian talk about the importance of us valuing our staff, but also valuing ourselves, and banning words such as 'just' and 'only' in order to empower every member of the school community.
Oliver Wright is the sector manager for Senior Leadership at Twinkl. He has over 20 years’ teaching experience, including eight years as a headteacher. He has worked in a range of primary schools from small, remote, rural settings to large, challenging city schools.
2023-02-0915 min
Staffroom SoapboxLGBT in Education: A changing history with Adam BrettIn the first episode of Staffroom Soapbox, I talk to Dr Adam Brett, who talked about growing up not knowing about LGBT history, about discovering this history later in life, and the importance of LGBT+ inclusion today (and the possibility of a Girls Aloud Episode).
2023-02-0215 min
Staffroom SoapboxLGBT+ History Month: Past and Present with Sue SandersIn this episode, Ian talks to Sue Sanders about the origin of LGBT+ History Month, and why it is important now, more than ever.
Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders of the Harvey Milk Institute is an “out and proud” lesbian. She is co-chair of Schools OUT, an education charity founded in 1974 whose aim is to educate out prejudice, making schools safe and inclusive for everyone. As co-chair with Paul Patrick they founded LGBT+ History Month, celebrated every February across the UK. This opened a world of queer history to schools, educational settings and the wider community. Sue has sprea...
2023-02-0214 min
Staffroom SoapboxStaffroom Soapbox Opening CreditsComing February 2nd: Staffroom Soapbox. The new 15 minute Podcast where people in education get on their soapbox and tell us what is important to them, and why you should care about it
2023-02-0100 min
Tiny Voice Talks with Toria BonoLGBTQIA+ part 2 with Ian TimbrellIn the second part of LGBTQIA+, Toria talks to Ian Timbrell about some of the issues facing our LGBTQIA+ young people today and how we can support them in school, including advice on how to support pupils coming out as LGBTQIA+ and what to do if a pupil asks to change their pronouns.You can listen to part 1 here: https://tinyvoicetalks.buzzsprout.com/1267127/11421795-lgbtqia-part-1-with-ian-timbrell, where Toria and Ian discuss the meaning of the LGBTQIA+ terms, and Ian’s school life as a gay teenager.Ian has been a teacher for 15 ye...
2022-11-2538 minTiny Voice Talks with Toria BonoLGBTQIA+ part 1 with Ian TimbrellIn this episode, Toria talks to Ian Timbrell a Deputy Head Teacher from South Wales, who is passionate about promoting equality and equity in our schools. Ian explains the meaning of the terms in LGBTQIA+ and explores how we can learn from the mistakes of the past, to improve the lives of our students. Ian has been a teacher for 15 years and a deputy head teacher for 5 years, in which time he has worked as an advisor and supported schools across South Wales. He is currently working as a consultant supporting schools with RSE, e...
2022-10-2132 min
The Impact PodcastEpisode 70: Teaching grammar, with Ian TimbrellIn this episode Fin and Jane are joined by Ian Timbrell, deputy headteacher at Cwmbach Community Primary School in Aberdare and self-confessed “grammar geek”.
They discuss what the research says about the importance of grammar as well as his own school’s ‘grammar journey’.
Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus
Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller
Producer: Darren Evans
Visit us at: www.impact.wales
Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur
2022-03-0246 min