Questions for the school

[newstraightteeth]

Hello,
After reading the very concerning news articles recently about the content surrounding gender ideology and sex, sexual pleasure, masturbation etc being taught in some schools I have arranged a meeting with the school to gain some clarity about the curriculum being taught. I don't want to come away from this thinking "oh I forgot to ask this, I wish I asked that" etc so thought I would reach out to you for some help preparing for this discussion.

What do you think are the key questions I should be asking?

Note: it's a primary school and as of yet I haven't seen or heard anything concerning at this particular school but I would like to know for certain what is being taught with regards to this subject and what their approach is.

Thanks in advance for your help with this.

Please show me your PSHE resources on teaching about sex and gender.
Where have they come from. What organisations are referenced if any.

Do you teach sex is binary and you can't change sex.

Do you teach gender as a fact or a belief.

What do you teach around stereotypes.

Do you have any trans identifying children. Which toilets do they / would they use. What room would they be in on school residential trips.

I would also want to know how explicit the material is. Hopefully not very as it’s primary.

And what happens if you go to three schools and you get three unacceptable answers, or obfuscation? Or six? Twelve?

You get it...?

Have a good look at their online policies. Do they use gender instead of sex? As a primary school there should be no mention of trans lobby groups, Stonewall, pride etc. It should be education and child centred. Safe Schools Alliance have lots of useful resources about what to look at and what to ask schools:
https://safeschoolsallianceuk.net/

Well I'll cross that bridge when it comes to it. At the moment I would like some clarity on what is being taught at the school my child attends so that I can make an informed decision as to what to do next.

I really wish you luck.

As MrsOvertonsWindow suggests, I would familiarise myself with the school's policy (which should be publicly available) prior to the meeting.

This makes it easier to anticipate how they might be approaching things, and it also means that you can challenge them on not complying with their own policy if they mention anything odd in the meeting.

Personally, I would start by asking to see the materials as it's far easier to get a straight answer (and to know what questions to ask) when you're discussing actual statements they are making - otherwise, they might try to fob you off with general assurances that "it's all within the government guidance", etc.

Asking to see the materials is a good start.
Maybe check that children aren't being taught that what body you have affects what type of personality you can have.

I would ask to see the materials in advance of the meeting so you have some idea what you’re dealing with. If they refuse to let you have a copy you will know you need to ask some more pointy questions than if they’re quite open and relaxed

Thanks everyone that's replied with advice so far, I appreciate all the help, I really do. Something asimportant as this I don't want to mess it up by not being prepared so thanks again!

Good luck with it OP. It's unthinkable that parents have to be suspicious about all this but until schools distance themselves from the influence of dodgy groups, we all need to speak out and ensure that children will be taught appropriately and safeguarded.
We're all becoming "that parent" 😑

Ask them about pronouns
Ask them what the policy is when a child expresses gender confusion
Ask them about inclusivity
Ask them when they think its better not to tell parents about a child's gender identity

You'll get the picture

Thank you so much for this link! I've been reading through all the information and resources on there today and it's massively helpful so thank you!