Primary teachers know that reading and storytelling can be used to fire up children's imagination. As part of the 'Breaking the Mould' project, the NUT has been working with a small group of primary schools to challenge 'traditional' gender stereotypes through the curriculum. As part of the support for schools, the project team provided them with a range of books featuring characters who defy some of the long established typecasting of girls and boys in children's literature. A full report will be published later this year but the project team have already produced notes on some of these books. This resource gives examples of books which can help teachers, parents and carers to get the most out of reading the stories with children they know or teach.

The NUT has welcomed a Cross Party Inquiry into Unplanned Pregnancy. One of the recommendations of the report is greater support for teachers to deliver sex and relationships curriculum. The report highlighted, however, that there are many reasons and causes for unplanned pregnancy and noted that women of all ages find themselves in this position. The report called for access for all women to services and information. The General Secretary has written to the MPs behind the report to welcome the findings and to call for more training for teachers on SRE.

Gender and Education Association- resources for teachers on gender, schools and the curriculum

The Gender and Education Association provides a network for teachers and academics interested in gender and social justice. This flyer introduces the GEA, and explains the ways in which they support teachers interested in gender and education in the classroom.

‘Equal Choices: Equal Chances’ is a free toolkit for Key Stage 2 teachers that helps challenge any stereotypical ideas which pupils may already have started to form around the world of work. Hilary Bills, Past President, NUT, said ‘This resource is a must for all Year 5 and 6 teachers.’

Gender stereotypes limit girls and boys during their school years, but also lead to negative outcomes beyond school and over the course of an adult's life. Gender stereotypes constrict which subjects and activities toddlers, children and teenagers choose. They affect job choices and explain why many industries and professions are male or female dominated. Attitudes about women have been shown to be one of the causes of violence against women and girls in the UK.

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One school is using this checklist to start discussions within staff groups. Have a look and see if these questions might be helpful in your primary school or early years setting. Click here to download.

Domestic violence is often referred to as an ‘invisible crime’. For the families of the two women killed each week by their partners or ex-partners, however, it is far from invisible.