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Original poster

Oh arse: primary school staff briefing refers staff to mermaids

40 replies

ServantofthePeople · 01/04/2022 16:44

I have a long term role in a primary school and see the staff briefing.
This week the briefing alerts us that some children are identifying as other gender and therefore using other loos.

That’s not my issue as it’s not my call. My issue is that the briefing recommends staff view the “excellent” website mermaidsuk.

I feel duty bound to say something about the mermaids recommendation. My understanding is that this is a political lobby group. There have also been safeguarding concerns raised I think.

I follow these boards fairly regularly but not daily/weekly.

I would be very grateful if people with experience could give me some starters/prompts. I’m hoping to get some up to date info and also some thoughts about “what works” re schools/governors.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Ereshkigalangcleg · 01/04/2022 17:19

X post

Ereshkigalangcleg · 01/04/2022 17:19

No I don't think it does as beyond scope as you say, but look at the Safe Schools Alliance who have got several schools "trans toolkits" taken down for being inaccurate about girls' rights to privacy from the opposite sex.

Artichokeleaves · 01/04/2022 17:18

Look up Safe Schools Alliance OP, they have some balanced resources there that talk about the problems with the political lobby advice.

Original poster
ServantofthePeople · 01/04/2022 17:18

I’ve contacted transgender trend via its website.

Has mermaids cleaned up its act/become more balanced?

OP posts:
Original poster
ServantofthePeople · 01/04/2022 17:09

Thanks Tabby,

Do you happen to know if it touches on the toilets issue? Or is that beyond its scope?

OP posts:
Original poster
ServantofthePeople · 01/04/2022 17:08

www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2016/2430.html

Is this the case re mermaids.
Will look at transgender trend site too

OP posts:
Original poster
ServantofthePeople · 01/04/2022 17:05

Salty do you have authority for that?

I need to be sure of what I say.

OP posts:
tabbycatstripy · 01/04/2022 17:05

It’s not about them but it contradicts much of of their messaging, particularly about the affirmation-only model of gender-related healthcare for children.

Original poster
ServantofthePeople · 01/04/2022 17:02

I can’t see anything in the review about mermaids?

OP posts:
Saltyquiche · 01/04/2022 17:01

children identifying as the opposite sex should not use opposite sex facilities. They need to use facilities appropriate for their biology. School have a legal obligation to provide single sex facilities and the children involved will likely not have a gender recognition certificate

MsGoodenough · 01/04/2022 16:58

There was also a data breach issue and a child protection issue where Mermaids were banned from intervening by the family courts. Others have links I'm sure.

Even a basic skim reading of the website is full of gender stereotypes, which schools have a duty not to reinforce.

Original poster
ServantofthePeople · 01/04/2022 16:56

cass.independent-review.uk/publications/interim-report/

This one?

OP posts:
ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 01/04/2022 16:55

I would also point them to the Cass review interim report.

tabbycatstripy · 01/04/2022 16:51

Mermaids have long-standing and close links with doctors who are being taken through tribunals as we speak for not obtaining appropriate consent, prescribing while not qualified to do so, not working appropriately with colleagues, poor record keeping and other malpractice issues.

Ask your HT to review the Webberley tribunals, and point out that Mermaids have backed this negligent approach to healthcare for many years.

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