Through the HBT bullying grants we want to to build schools’ knowledge and capacity to prevent and tackle homophobic bullying more effectively. The GEO and DfE have outlined suggestions for activities it wishes to fund in five areas identified in the HBT bullying specification of requirements document. Bids can be made specifically in support of one, or more, of these suggested areas. The suggested areas, outlined below, include activities that: (a) Build schools capacity to take appropriate action, develop the knowledge and skills of staff to understand homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying so they have the confidence to identify and deal with it effectively. This might include, for example, staff training and/or resources that focuses specifically on HBT bullying and its causes as well as HBT issues more generally. (b) Trial school-based initiatives aimed at addressing HBT bullying, by promoting tolerance, mutual respect and understanding, and challenging prejudice, discrimination, stereotypes and homophobic language. This could include, for example, whole school measures such as classroom-based initiatives linked to schools’ curricula subjects, whole-school practical strategies and/or bespoke activities with groups of pupils. (c) Establish appropriate and effective pastoral support for victims of bullying which recognise the distinct issues involved in homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. (d) Develop a practical suite of tools and/or accessible educational materials and techniques such as lesson plans and other education materials that support schools in preventing and tackling HBT bullying. These materials will disseminate good practice and build schools knowledge, confidence and capacity in this area. (e) Establish effective ways that encourage pupils to report bullying through solutions that empower pupils to report HBT bullying and enable schools to monitor the impact and effectiveness of their policies. The programme will provide up to £2million in grant funding for 2015-16. There is no specific minimum or maximum amount of grant award, but as an indicative guide for bidders, we would expect grant awards to be in the region of £100,000 – £750,000.