West Hatch High School students interviewed the Ilford North MP to discuss LGBT+ History Month.

The students talked with shadow schools minister and MP Wes Streeting to explore the challenges faced in school and the need to build provision and awareness to LGBT+ issues.

Headteacher Daniel Leonard explained that it was important to create a “dialogue” with the school and others to develop an understanding on the community.

The interview will be used to help educate students about the need to support each other and engage in learning about various issues.

Mr Streeting, who is an openly gay politician, was a perfect example for Mr Leonard and others to get an understanding of some struggles people within the LGBT+ community can face.

Mr Leaonard said: "Interviewing Wes Streeting, who has experienced issues like 'struggling to come out about my sexuality, because I did not know if I would be accepted or not' was a great insight into a real life scenario."

"His passion and commitment in supporting the community has helped him to rise above, and to keep fighting, against discrimination and exclusion. Our students were able to ask questions about his experiences and challenges.

He added: We believe the more we work towards equality and acceptance for all in our school community, more students may be more able to speak their truths.

"Our students are in the process of building personal confidence which will allow them to accept, appreciate and love who they truly are. A goal that we are striving to hit."

Following the interview the school has set students the challenge to have respect for the LGBT+ community and to devise strategies to help create support for members in the community both within the school and in the wider world.

The school hopes to develop closer links with local MPs to help challenge students’ perceptions, to raise mindfulness and acceptance of the LGBT+ within the school, surrounding boroughs and within Essex.