Statutory requirement to focus on the T in schools

[NextRinny]

My turn to need help please.

I've been told there's a statutory requirement to focus on the T for PSHEE for 12 year olds.

I've asked for clarification but it is taking a while to get to me. Can anyone fathom what the school is on about in the meantime please (with pointers to the legalese please!) ?

They are probably referring to the RSE guidance, which says:

Pupils should be taught the facts and the law about sex, sexuality, sexual health and gender identity in an age-appropriate and inclusive way.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education/relationships-and-sex-education-rse-secondary

The actual statutory guidance is here https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62cea352e90e071e789ea9bf/Relationships_Education_RSE_and_Health_Education.pdf

See section on LGBT.

Your defence to it all, is as follows:

We are aware that topics involving gender and biological sex can be complex and sensitive matters to navigate. You should not reinforce harmful stereotypes, for instance by suggesting that children might be a different gender based on their personality and interests or the clothes they prefer to wear. Resources used in teaching about this topic must always be age-appropriate and evidence based. Materials which suggest that non-conformity to gender stereotypes should be seen as synonymous with having a different gender identity should not be used and you should not work with external agencies or organisations that produce such material. While teachers should not suggest to a child that their non-compliance with gender stereotypes means that either their personality or their body is wrong and in need of changing, teachers should always seek to treat individual students with sympathy and support.
You should work together with parents on any decisions regarding your school’s treatment of their child, in line with the school’s safeguarding policy and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/plan-your-relationships-sex-and-health-curriculum#ensuring-content-is-appropriate

Also be aware of paras 205 onwards in this statutory safeguarding guidance assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d7301b9084b18b95709f75/Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2024.pdf

Thank you! Thanks so much!

Ach, I’m fed up with this.

my take: gender identity is a fancy name for what we used to call stereotypes. I think they’re a load of pish but for some reason some people get themselves in a right fankle about them and think that they’re more important than what’s in your undies. But they’re wrong.

Apologues. I appreciate that isn’t what you needed. But I am just so weary….

You’re absolutely right @ShockedandStunnedRepeatedly - it’s all just stereotypes, and it is all very wearing!

OP, do push school on how they teach gender identity - how they teach it without reinforcing stereotypes.

Ask them what are the “facts and law about gender identity”. (Hint : gender identity is not defined in law!)

Well done on pursuing this.

Agree, OP, well done for following it up. I think if more concerned parents make enquiries - firm but polite - it should help alert schools to the issues and hopefully allow a more nuanced approach to be taken.

I too would be interested to find out what they teach. I recently watched a video discussing trans in the workplace and one of the things it highlighted was the impact on others, eg detransitioners, partners, siblings, children etc. Quite possibly there maybe a child who has a parent who is transitioning and whilst some may be okay with this, for others it can be a really difficult experience (family breakup etc).

My daughter was treated to "her penis" during the lesson and has said nothing which isn't a TRA talking point (I'm leaving the discussion open rather than asking pointed questions so it is still possible she's telling me only the exciting stuff and she's skipped the boring balanced reality bits).

She did notice the teacher who had to do the teaching (not the pshee head who I'm following up with) was agitated about "certain things we're obliged to teach".

And there is a child who is acting up. Not transitioning in the gender ideology sense. Think wants to be a lamp post and happy to wear a tin hat to school. With light bulb and all, full belief in lamppost ability etc... it's a perfect storm. There's another quiet one who I suspect will end up lesbian - if she's allowed to grow up.

Seeing the teachers not be able to handle this as the adults in the room, will mess up the other kids for sure.

I know what supplier they are using but I won't name it as it would out the school and my kid is already worried about me talking to the teachers.

And yes there is at least one transitioning dad... I do always wonder about the impact of these lessons on their children. I'd find it hard to gauge so I don't want to judge.

I just want truth to be spoken in the classroom.

Lots of dads seem to decide they are “women” when their daughter is going through puberty. It’s utterly sickening.

That made my skin crawl. The more I hear about genderism, the worse it gets.

The detail @Leafstamp gives might seem to contradict what your school is doing as “statutory requirements “ @NextRinny

Good luck! You might also find good materials in
The Cass Report
Transgender Trend
Safe Schools Alliance

Good luck

The detail @Leafstamp gives might seem to contradict what your school is doing as “statutory requirements “ @NextRinny

Good luck! You might also find good materials in
The Cass Report
Transgender Trend
Safe Schools Alliance

Good luck