Keeping children safe in education update 02/09/24

[Justme56]

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2

https://x.com/sexmattersorg/status/1830548702903038115?s=46&t=ZX_bLozRqm8etdGICMcAvA

https://x.com/bayswatersg/status/1830561157863649561?s=46&t=ZX_bLozRqm8etdGICMcAvA

Anyone not on X the section around 205 includes info on children who are questioning their gender (not sure if there is more).

Thank you. I am just about to read it.

Excuse my language but...
hallefuckinglujah 👏👏👏👏

I thought they would remove some of the language in this document ahead of its publication.

Major positives:

1. It makes it clear that LGB is totally separate from T, where a "trans-identifying child" (or "gender questioning child") is a red flag under safeguarding. It specifically references the Cass Report and children with complexities/autism.
2. Even though it was never finalised, it makes clear that safeguarding is dependent on staff following what will be stipulated in the Gender Questioning Children guidance. The draft version of this document is available now. This gives parents a chance to ask schools to follow the draft guidance in its current state, so that their child can be adequately safeguarded pending its finalisation. Even though it's not perfect, a draft document is better than no document when it comes to safeguarding on such an important matter.

Obviously the Gender Questioning Children guidance remains subject to change and Bridget Phillipson has already stated that she finds some of the language "partisan". It'll be interesting to see what she intends to change and why she considers it partisan. Like many people, I gave lots of feedback on the document during the consultation and I'm sure I'll be one of many who will be watching carefully to see what she does with it.

Most school staff, however, only read Part 1, and there's no mention of 'gender-questioning children' in it.

Yes, my CP training today, with the section on the changes in KCSIE, discussed two main changes (the initial definition of safeguarding, and that children living in households with DV are victims of abuse, even if not physically hurt/don't actually see it)

The DSL then showed the slide with the changed to the LBG (T) section, and highlighted that the terminology had changed to "gender questioning". The DSL then said that this was still under review, and we were to expect more training on it later on the year.

We've now got to go away, read all of KCSIE, and complete a test on it.

That'll be my task tomorrow night.

5 hours of online tasks that must be completed by 3:25 on this Friday.