Schools are being urged to do more to keep classrooms and playgrounds free of homophobic bullying.

The Education Policy Partnership, which sets policy for the district, says policies should be reviewed and more training given to ensure schools are "safe places" for lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils.

It has recommended that Education Bradford ensures that such policies are drawn up and monitored and that anti-bullying guidance in place in schools makes explicit reference to the need to curb name-calling related to pupils' sexual orientation.

David Mallen, chairman of the EPP, said: "Schools feel nervous about including this in their anti-bullying policies.

"This is a topic some people find controversial but the core of the issue ought not to be controversial at all.

"We are looking at a group of young people who feel very often isolated by society and their families' reaction to them.

"Very often they are a subject of bullying - this is a national issue, but clearly it affects young people in Bradford.

"I think we should be supportive of schools that wish to tackle it. It's important we as an umbrella group give schools confidence and support them."

Andy Mullen, of the voluntary group Yorkshire Mesmac which works with gay men, said: "Schools seem to have had some difficulty in addressing these issues. That's why the Inclusive Schools project was established, to raise awareness among lesbian gay and bisexual young people, to help schools meet their statutory obligations, and to ensure Bradford schools are safe places for lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils and staff."

He said the multi-agency project, backed by the police and the National Union of Teachers, had drawn up good-practice guidance which had been sent to all head teachers and school governors. Training has also been carried out for teachers and heads. And the Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Education Forum has been set up.

Jane Rendle, the equal opportunities co-ordinator for Bradford NUT, said: "Even at primary level, this type of bullying affects kids seen as being different by other kids.