I agree and schools are not with that programme yet so they need firm messaging to turn this dangerous situation for children around.
Schools guidance, and the Sec of State, should stress that neither mildly nor wildly eccentric clothing choices at that age should be thought of as any type of "cross-dressing" nor anything to do with experimenting with "gender identity", even if there is an obvious link with sex-role stereotyping,
- Costumes: A little boy dressing dressing as a Disney Princess should be regarded and treated no differently to a boy or a girl dressing up as Spider Man, a Transformer or a character from Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. School uniform rules should be clear whether costumes of any sort are either acceptable or they are not.
- Kid's clothes: in the 1800's and 1900's "unisex" (anachronistic term, I know) children's clothing for both sexes meant dresses and tunics. Mid 20th century it meant trousers with tops that were sold for children, not necessarily designed and targeted by sex. That still holds to an extent today, so a little boy wearing his sister's skirt or dress stands out more than a little girl wearing her brother's school clothes. School uniform rules should be clear what boys and girls are expected to wear, whether the rules are restrictive or permissive.
Before the trans-madness, little girls could be "tom boys" and nobody blinked an eye but today they are in at least as much danger of being stereotyped as "trans", "non-binary" or "experimenting with their gender identity" as little boys who in the past would have been bullied for being "sissies" or "gay".
https://www.histclo.com/style/skirted/skirted.html
Ofsted inspects Initial Teacher Education (ITE) as well as schools and gender identity ideology needs to be eradicated from ITE as well as from schools, although schools must be our first target in order to protect children who are at risk right now. The issue here is that new guidance that contradicts precepts inculcated during ITE might be difficult for teachers to take on board.
Guidance
Initial teacher training and early career framework
A framework to support trainee and early career teacher development.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-training-and-early-career-framework
that page links to:
Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework
January 2024
Table on page 11-12 starts:
Learn that…
- Teachers have the ability to affect and improve the wellbeing, motivation and behaviour of their pupils.
- Teachers are key role models, who can influence the attitudes, values and behaviours of their pupils.
- Teacher expectations can affect pupil outcomes; setting goals that challenge and stretch pupils from their starting points is essential.
- Setting clear expectations can help communicate shared values that improve classroom and school culture.
- A culture of mutual trust and respect supports effective relationships.
- High quality teaching has a long-term positive effect on pupils’ life chances, particularly for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- High quality teaching is underpinned by positive interactions between pupils, their teachers and their peers.
- Pupils’ experiences of school and their readiness to learn can be impacted by their home life and circumstances, particularly for EAL pupils, young carers, and those living in poverty.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661d24ac08c3be25cfbd3e61/Initial_Teacher_Training_and_Early_Career_Framework.pdf
Guidance
Initial teacher education (ITE) inspection: toolkit, operating guide and framework
Guidance for inspectors and providers on inspecting ITE provision in England under the renewed education inspection framework.
Published 9 September 2025
Last updated 13 February 2026
Details
Find guidance for initial teacher education inspections in England:
ITE inspection toolkit – what inspectors and ITE providers use to discuss the quality of provision on inspection
ITE inspection framework – the principles of ITE inspection
ITE inspection operating guide – a step-by-step guide for inspectors on how to inspect ITE provision
information about ITE inspections – for staff and leaders, parents and carers and the wider public
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-education-ite-inspection-toolkit-operating-guide-and-framework
Initial teacher education inspection toolkit
Updated: 9 September 2025
I have only scanned this so am not clear yet whether it is only the curriculum for Early Years Teaching (Teachers?) that covers child development:
page 8
Considering curriculum, teaching and training in different phases
When inspectors apply this evaluation area in ITE, they consider the context of the relevant phase –
for example:
- In the early years phase, inspectors consider how well the provider prepares trainees to teach to the requirements outlined in the statutory framework for early years, including the prime and specific areas of learning and development from birth to age 5. This should include how children develop and learn, and their readiness for key stage 1. For this phase, the ITE curriculum should have due regard for the DfE’s EYITT criteria and supporting advice.
- In the primary phase, inspectors consider how well the provider prepares trainees to teach the national curriculum subjects, as well as the areas for learning and development in the Reception Year. For this phase, the ITE curriculum should be underpinned by the ITTECF and meet the statutory requirements of the ITT criteria and supporting advice, including for ITAP and mentoring.
- In the secondary phase, inspectors consider how well the provider prepares trainees to teach their specialist subject(s). For this phase, the ITE curriculum should be underpinned by the ITTECF and meet the statutory requirements of the ITT criteria and supporting advice, including for ITAP and mentoring.
- In the FE and skills phase, inspectors consider how well the provider prepares trainees to teach their specialist subject(s) in a relevant FE and skills setting. For this phase, the ITE curriculum should reflect the requirements of the occupational standard.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ba9fd0cc8356c3c882ab2b/Initial_teacher_education_inspection_toolkit.pdf