Schools can overrule parents on child’s gender identity changes

[IwantToRetire]

New guidance states that schools are not under a ‘general duty’ to allow pupils to alter pronouns, names and uniform

Schools will be able to overrule parents who want their children to change their gender identity if they feel it goes too far under new guidance.

The long-awaited guidance states that schools must take a “cautious approach” that complies with their legal duties.

It explicitly states that some forms of social transitioning — under which children change their pronouns, names and uniform — “will not be compatible with a school’s statutory responsibilities”.

At the heart of the guidance will be a requirement for schools to inform parents if children want to change their gender identity, with some exceptions. They will not be required to do so if the discussions between teachers and children are “general” and no specific action is needed. They will also not be required to do so if there are safeguarding issues.

Biological boys will also be barred from competing against girls in contact sports.

Just some of the paragraphs from a much longer article with a summary of the new guidance at the end https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/schools-can-overrule-parents-on-childs-gender-identity-changes-d23jbhrqx

Can also be read at https://archive.ph/Zzv93

Excellent news, thanks for the link.

Today's guardian article is very mixed but has some excellent Bayswater and dfe quotes https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/19/englands-schools-must-be-involved-in-new-transgender-guidance-union-warns?CMP=ShareiOSAppp_Other

You can imagine the screwed up faces of some staff at the Gruniad on seeing

Bayswater is a support group for the parents of “trans-identified adolescents and young people” and has 650 members across the UK. “Schools need clear guidance because it is unacceptable to expect teachers to take decisions with such profound consequences for their students,” a spokesperson said.

“By viewing gender exclusively as a ‘civil rights’ issue, children with complex mental health problems and trauma have been failed by adults who should have been protecting them.

“Unlike sexual orientation, a trans identity is linked with likely medicalisation and high rates of comorbidities. Taking a student’s rejection of their natal sex at face value, rather than being curious and compassionate about what might have led them there, is a safeguarding failure that all of us should care about, regardless of our political affiliation.”

I'm imagining a safe space somewhere in their office filled with raging TRAs because they've had to include a safeguarding comment by those horrible bigots!

😂

Yep

Unlike sexual orientation, a trans identity is linked with likely medicalisation and high rates of comorbidities.

This needs to be read by and understood by every teacher everywhere.

A mother on the today programme said the school felt they could be sued by her daughter if they told the mother that she was being treated as trans.

It's not the kids who could sue you going forward...

I haven't seen the details but from news reports this in fact sounds like temporary guidelines whilst there is a consultation.

And apparently they are expecting thousands of replies.

I wonder it that could be because of the automated replies Stonewall helped TRAs send in response to the GRA consultation.

I am sure GC feminists are more than able as individuals to frame their responses!

More than happy for TRAs to complete the consultation. All that nonsensical hyperbole, screams of transphobia, and deliberate misrepresentation needs as many eyes on it as possible.

Here's a link to one of two threads discussing it on here:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/4966230-finally-gender-questioning-children-draft-schools-and-colleges-guidance

And here's a link to the guidance - well worth taking a look as it's jaw dropping in that it centres children, safeguarding and the law. Most unexpected given the drivel that's been put out previously by the CPs & trans activist groups:

https://consult.education.gov.uk/equalities-political-impartiality-anti-bullying-team/gender-questioning-children-proposed-guidance/supportingdocuments/Gender%20Questioning%20Children%20%20nonstatutory%20guidance.pdf

Taking a student’s rejection of their natal sex at face value, rather than being curious and compassionate about what might have led them there, is a safeguarding failure that all of us should care about, regardless of our political affiliation

Well said, and hard to argue with if you have the best interests of a child in mind.

I agree: it won't matter if there are tons of TRA responses if they are demonstrably nothing more than drama, extremism and an inability to be objective or consider any other interests but their own/their politics. In fact that evidence in itself will be useful.

This is the link to the consultation which closes on 12 March 2024

The Department (DfE) is seeking views on the following:

The consultation is seeking views on the content of the guidance and whether it will help to support schools and colleges, teachers and leaders to make considered and lawful decisions in relation to children who are questioning their gender and the wider school and college community.

https://consult.education.gov.uk/equalities-political-impartiality-anti-bullying-team/gender-questioning-children-proposed-guidance/

You have to download the consultation and guidance documents from the link above.

.
The Government web site says:

Gender questioning children: draft schools and colleges guidance
We're seeking your views on our draft non-statutory guidance for schools and colleges about children questioning their gender.
This consultation is being held on another website.
This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 12 March 2024
Consultation descriptionThe proposed draft provides guidance and practical support for schools and colleges, including:

• supporting children who are questioning their gender
• protecting children from bullying or abuse
• maintaining child safety and wellbeing

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/gender-questioning-children-draft-schools-and-colleges-guidance