Stonewall Champion School - HT asks 'what safeguarding concerns?

[HandsOffMyRights]

So my son's Stonewall Champion school has replied to me after I raised concerns about Stonewall. He said he'd look into it and came back to me asap (possibly after a quick Google)

HT says it is proud to be an inclusive school and then sent me several negative news stories around TransgenderTrend (after I suggested these as an alternative)

Next steps? Lisa Muggeridge, I need you!

He's just sent a holding email to say that clearly there's a lot to digest and that he will get back to me.

Hoping critical thinking comes into play. I'll be worrying about this all weekend now!

Hands try and take some time off this weekend if you can. Putting all that together whilst not screaming blue murder is really hard (and I may be asking for a copy at some point!).

I just keep coming back to "test everything you read against your safeguarding training".

I might be casually mentioning that the first safeguarding fail resulting from this will end his career.

Because it will.

Thanks. I'd rather be the bad guy than one child be harmed by this.

Imagine if people had spoken out about Savile, Challenor, but many didn't or couldn't because of fear.

We must be bold. This is not about me. Posie keeps me going, when I think of the very public platform she is on.

Courage does in indeed call to courage.

I need to watch some Partridge for some light relief.

Thank you

Not to do with the trans debate at all, but I recently approached the HT at my DDs school after they did something that many parents didn't agree with. When I attended some safeguarding training I discussed it at length with the trainer who urged me to persist with the school and said that they were in the wrong. HT was very defensive and refused to believe that I was right. I discussed with teacher friends and a family member who is a Deputy HT at another school and everyone said I should take it to the governors. It was just before the summer holidays and I knew I'd be waiting all summer for a reply and am now heavily pregnant - I knew I didn't have the mental capacity for it and it would have broken me. In the end I took a different route.

I'm making two points. 1) some HTs can be ferociously protective in what they believe and can be very blinkered in alternatives (but then that's the whole trans debate) and 2) that this may be something that you need to take up with the governors.

I applaud you. I want to take this on myself but it would break me - I'm too sensitive and due to give birth any day now. I try to do my bit by spreading the word which is hard enough when you are often met with contempt.

Thanks Maverick and put your feet up! It sounds like you are doing your part. I know how exhausting it is even without being pregnant.

I have considered governors if need be. What I really want is to see the material. I suspect it can be unpicked like the GI and other Stonewall guidance. 3rd sex FFS!

Please reassure me I was right to go ahead and that my poor son won't be ostracised for it?

You were absolutely right to do that. And you will be redeemed. This will not stand. It will not. If he has a brain, he understands this. Stay strong.

OP - you were right to go ahead. and good wishes for a peaceful weekend for you.

Thanks all. I've just re-read today's Spectator piece again and it's reminded me that we are stakeholders in this and that questioning dangerous ideas needs to happen.

"Something is off here. Teachers are being asked to put ideology before evidence and to exclude parents from serious welfare decisions about their own children. Parents are often not allowed to take part in the discussion'

You were absolutely right OP. Point out it’s his responsibility to cross check any new guidance with existing safeguarding frameworks. Also asks him if he thinks his insurance will pay out if he fails to do this and a child comes to harm.

It’s his responsibility to actually READ the transgender trend pack, not just some shitty article about it.

And after that tell him you hope he has a lovely weekend.

Ha! Thanks. He has some lovely reading this weekend...

Doesn't help that Butterfly is on Sunday. We didn't even get on to Mermaids!

I think if you can plant a seed, as I did with my MP, it's there. My emails are there. Even if he denies any issues, this will rear its head again.

The school is mixed sex in sixth form and has a large proportion of BAME students - around 80 per cent - so for those girls whose religions mean that they cannot remove certain garments in the pesence of males (not to mention all the other girls) this could be a big issue.

Reported my last post for banned word, so will re-post.

Update: so apart from thinking me a T*, describing Stonewall as a reputable organisation and thinking I believe media hype about the Challenors and Bradley, the HT now thinks I'm homophobic and sent me a link to a Stonewall video about a gay child!

I give in. After what we read on the 'we're still here' thread, I wish schools knew what we know.

Marking this thread. Thanks

I read a post yesterday on the consultation ending thread about one poster peaking her child's school.

I honestly thought they'd be more receptive and think critically.

It's hurtful as I've always opposed discrimination in the LGBT community and for years (lost touch) my dear best friends were gay.

I've sent some videos and links of my own, including one exploring the difference between gay and trans rights.

Have you contacted the governors, op?

No. It sounds pathetic, but I'm scared of rocking the boat for my son and he being branded a bigot by default.
I hate how this movement twists narratives. Makes progressive appear regressive and vice versa.

I would ask him why he relies on media to inform him about these groups? Maybe find some negative media headlines about your school and ask if parents should rely on media reports, or do their own research? Send him some negative articles on Stonewall?

I have made an official complaint about our High Mistress when she was only weeks into the job for her disgusting handling of a so-called ‘historic’ sex abuse case of what was a current teacher ( now resigned ) and her phonecall with myself which was dismissive. I also complained when they ignored my child’s requests for help with her mental health, for months. I would prioritise doing what’s right, and not worry overly about being afraid of the school. They can’t retaliate against your child or they’ll get into trouble. Our school couldn’t be nicer to me now 😬

Thanks.

I originally sent a couple of pieces about Stonewall, including the letter by Jonny Best and co (to show that, shock horror, LGBTQ people also have issues with Stonewall!)

He just repeats that they are a respected organisation.

I have now forwarded Michele Moore and Lisa Muggeridge videos as the fact that Michele has taught inclusivity to children for 30 years should be a sign that none of us are homophobic.

I think his mind is made up on this one - Stonewall has been engrained in schools for so long that it is hard to break through.

Another update:
I have been sent the Stonewall lesson plan and it's worse than I thought.

It doesn't refer to sex and uses gender throughout. It calls non trans people 'cisgender' throughout it uses assigned at birth throughout. Transphobia is described as the fear or dislike of someone who ids as trans.

It says 48% of trans people have tried to commit suicide

I will try to link to it. If not, are any regulars able to take a look at this if I DM you please?

From the glossary

More glossary

More

Final page from the glossary

Send an email reminding them of the concerns you’ve raised and reminding them that if there is ever a serious case review you will have warned them about each of them in writing (imply without stating that you have the paper trail.)
Contact the school’s insurers?