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Original poster

I'm going to be 'that' parent - re school policy omitting 'sex' in favour of gender

68 replies

elfycat · 23/04/2022 21:46

I should have looked at the policy before now (have checked multiple policies in the local area) but the Secondary school DD1 attends has listed gender on the list of protected characteristics and not sex.

So I guess I have to contact them. I've found a copy of the DoE departmental guidance for schools ( listing sex correctly ) to quote. But this is the first letter of this kind I have written.

For anyone who has previously brought this kind of error to the attention of policy makers, what advice can you give me on what to include.

I was thinking of addressing it along the lines of -

I was looking shit up on your website
I noted that your shit wasn't right
Here's the DoE guidance on your shit
I would expect this error will be dealt with swiftly, 'coz it's an Act... like a law, right?
Could you please let me know the timetable you have for governors looking at policy shit, so I can keep my beady eye on ya.

Does that look about right for the paragraphs?

(now going to relook at other policies in local services)

OP posts:
Ionlydomassiveones · 23/04/2022 22:57

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

Original poster
elfycat · 23/04/2022 22:40

nauticant · 23/04/2022 22:27

When you respond, it would be good for you to have in mind that as far as the misrepresentation of the EA2010 goes, sometimes "gender" is mistaken for "sex" and sometimes it's mistaken for "gender reassignment".

It would be useful to distinguish between these two definition.

They have listed gender reassignment, sexual orientation, and 'gender' where sex should be. So gender reassignment is correctly listed and is not the error.

They've even listed marriage and civil partnership, though as the school only goes up to Y11 the number of pupils this could impact is miniscule.

OP posts:
334bu · 23/04/2022 22:36

Small changes to a policy take hours of work before they get to be agreed in a governors meeting.

Misquoting an Act of Parliament shouldn't need to be discussed , just immediately rectified.

Jumpking · 23/04/2022 22:33

elfycat · 23/04/2022 22:22

There seems to have been annual minor revisions, though the last one was only 4 months ago. I might say as they've misquoted government legislation I would expect a reasonably swift amendment to bring the policy in line with the Act they've misquoted.

Do you think I should say that I would expect to see this change before the end of the year?

Show quote history

I think schools are still on their arses from Covid and are struggling daily to find adequate supply cover.

Depends on who your chair of governors is and what the school priorities are, and how close the headteacher is to quitting as they're exhausted with the last two years, as to how quickly this is dealt with. Small changes to a policy take hours of work before they get to be agreed in a governors meeting.

Williamshatnershorses · 23/04/2022 22:31

I’d, not I’s. Sigh.

Williamshatnershorses · 23/04/2022 22:30

I’s pin them down by saying something like ‘I’m sure that as this is reflecting an incorrect position under existing law, you will correct this as soon as possible. I’d appreciate if you could let me know when this correction has been made. “

nauticant · 23/04/2022 22:27

When you respond, it would be good for you to have in mind that as far as the misrepresentation of the EA2010 goes, sometimes "gender" is mistaken for "sex" and sometimes it's mistaken for "gender reassignment".

It would be useful to distinguish between these two definition.

MrsOvertonsWindow · 23/04/2022 22:25

Yes OP - their policies are held online so it needs to be immediate - it's incorrect, not a debate about semantics.

MrsOvertonsWindow · 23/04/2022 22:24

We're all having to be "that parent" until schools get their act together and start centring children's needs rather than adult activist demands. And they don't get to change the law because they don't like the language - so no delaying until a review.
Well done OP.

Original poster
elfycat · 23/04/2022 22:22

Jumpking · 23/04/2022 22:17

What date is the policy due for review?

The response you'll probably get is we'll update it on the next review.

There seems to have been annual minor revisions, though the last one was only 4 months ago. I might say as they've misquoted government legislation I would expect a reasonably swift amendment to bring the policy in line with the Act they've misquoted.

Do you think I should say that I would expect to see this change before the end of the year?

OP posts:
Jumpking · 23/04/2022 22:17

What date is the policy due for review?

The response you'll probably get is we'll update it on the next review.

lightand · 23/04/2022 22:14

RhannionKPSS · 23/04/2022 22:10

Be that parent because you are in the right and I bet you’re not the only one. Good letter.

Back in the day I made one or two comments to the school about this and that.

Ended up being asked about, and accepted, becoming a school governor, as quote "I was interested in education, wasn't I?"

Original poster
elfycat · 23/04/2022 22:13

I should add DD2 was bullied at the primary school. This school does seem to have a handle on those things, and has a very good general reputation in the area.

OP posts:
Original poster
elfycat · 23/04/2022 22:10

WWRGD · 23/04/2022 22:03

I wouldn't use the word shit but apart from that it's fine

Well no, not on the FIRST letter obviously. I'd save that for if they don't sort it. I have another 5 school years to go.

I started looking up their SEND policies as DD2 is about to get a SALT diagnosis with a language and fluency disorder, and I wanted to check any hurdles I might have there. Then I sneaked into Bullying, as DD2 has been bullied because of her speech issues, before going into Equalities. I quite like reading policies.

OP posts:
RhannionKPSS · 23/04/2022 22:10

Be that parent because you are in the right and I bet you’re not the only one. Good letter.

WWRGD · 23/04/2022 22:03

I wouldn't use the word shit but apart from that it's fine

AnxiousSquirrel · 23/04/2022 22:03

Sounds perfect!

Justkeeppedaling · 23/04/2022 21:48

Good for you! And that structure sounds fine.

Do come back and let us know what their response is.

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