The UK government has published new guidance that advises teachers to inform parents if their child wishes to change their gender identity at school. The guidance applies to schools in England and also states that teachers should take a cautious approach if pupils want to use a new name, pronouns, or uniform. According to the Department for Education, teachers will be able to withhold information if they believe a child could be put at significant risk.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has said that parents’ views must be at the heart of all decisions made about their children. Meanwhile, Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch has added that schools are not required to accept a child’s request to socially transition — a term used to describe a change in name, pronoun, or clothing to reflect gender identity. Badenoch has stressed that neither teachers nor pupils should be pressured into using different pronouns.
The newly-published guidance has been promised since 2018 and has been welcomed by the Association of School and College Leaders. Under the new guidelines, teachers do not have a general duty to allow pupils to socially transition and are urged to use caution. They should also observe watchful waiting periods and ensure parents are fully consulted before any decision is taken. However, teachers are permitted to withhold information from parents if they believe telling them could put a child at significant risk of harm.
As per the new guidance, schools will record the biological sex and name of every pupil in the admissions register. Toilets, changing rooms, and some sports should be separated based on biological sex, with single-sex toilets for pupils aged eight and over. Schools are also advised that any gender-neutral facilities they may have should have floor-to-ceiling lockable doors or be fully contained in their own rooms. The newly-published guidance will be subject to a 12-week public consultation before it can become finalised
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