Open consultation by the DofE on safeguarding in schools.

[Raquelos]

I haven't seen a link to this yet, although I may have missed it in the comments of other threads.

Open consultation by the DofE on safeguarding in schools. Closing date 22nd April.

"The Department for Education is seeking your views on proposed changes to the statutory guidance Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE).
We're seeking views on a range of updates to ensure the guidance remains current and relevant."

link here

I am certain many of us have opinions we'd like to share!

a few other threads have relevant links:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5489497-bridget-phillipson-says-no-teacher-should-be-compelled-to-use-someones-preferred-pronouns-in-an-education-setting

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5489704-guidance-for-schools-in-bbc-news

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5489699-glp-v-ehrc-judgement-is-coming-tomorrow

Fab, thank you.

I should mention that the link inviting input is also being circulated on the Reddit sub that we know likes reference us, so in the interests of balance, do have at it 🙂

Thank you for starting this thread OP. Although the draft guidance is referenced in other threads (thank you for the links Chariothorses), it's helpful having a thread to specifically discuss the guidance IMO.

I'm currently reading it and wanted to share my observation about these two paras, particularly the second one:

262. Schools and colleges should explore how best to support these conversations, including offering a staff member to be present or to speak to parents or carers on the child’s behalf. However, in the rare circumstances where involving parents or carers would constitute a greater risk to the child than not involving them, the school or college should involve their Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to determine what action is needed to safeguard the child, before the parents are contacted or any decisions are taken.

263. The advice above applies in cases where a child has requested support with social transition. In cases where a child confides in a member of staff about their feelings but does not ask the school or college to make changes to how they are treated, there is no reason to break any confidence unless there is a related safeguarding risk.

WTAF? The guidance enables a teacher to secretly talk to a student about social transition. This is wide open to abuse, by activist teachers who will talk to children about how brave they are for recognising their true identity etc. Nobody else will know about these conversations, until the adult deems that the child is sufficiently indoctrinated into believing that their gender identity is real "ready" to do so. Inevitably by this point, that readiness will mean that the child tells the school and/or their parents that they have made a decision to socially transition. Parents will be expected to support their child's decision, having been completely cut out of the conversation before it was made.

Another interesting paragraph:

270. The school or college should also make sure that children and their families are aware that while the school or college will appropriately sanction any cases of bullying or harassment, and take a strong stand against bullying, the school or college must also be conscious of the rights of pupils and staff in relation to their religion or belief. However, schools and colleges supporting social transition might consider discussing options with pupils and staff such as using names instead of pronouns.

I would hope that schools will recognise this effectively means that they can no longer coerce children into using preferred pronouns.

My children's school positions this as the only way to be kind and respectful. This doesn't tell them to stop that behaviour and it's a bit weak suggesting that they "might" want to consider alternatives. FFS. However, it's at least a (pretty cowardly) tiny step in the right direction. On balance, that's better than a step in the wrong direction.

Thank you for this. As a secondary teacher I definitely want to respond to the consultation!

Wow that was very involved to fill in.

can I ask those who fill it in to actually think about the sections you have to fill in that do not relate to gender questioning children. I’m a bit uncomfortable that people will be clicking they agree or have no opinion on topics they haven’t researched and due to this other areas of the guidelines will not be as effective for other groups of vulnerable people.

in particular i had strong opinions on SEND and alternative provisions. Most people won’t have come across alternative provisions so assuming you agree or don’t have an opinion could be unhelpful. If that makes sense?

Importantly there was a question towards the end about wether those with child protection proceedings should be required to self refer it to their DSL. On the face of it that seems so very sensible. But what about women leaving abusive relationships where the ex makes counter false accusations? In fact even if the abusive ex does not make any accusations parents of children subject to safeguarding investigations would be required to tell their employer the investigation was happening- even when the parent is the one seeking support. If you report abuse to the police that will trigger these investigations with social services- it will essentially silence victims if they fear repercussions with their jobs. Likely essential they are earning money if trying to escape abuse.

The same applies for seeking support for disabled children- there is a legal duty in LAs to assess and provide appropriate support to disabled children who need it. Far to many LAs don’t have a separate route for this and subject families to section 47 investigations for them to be allocated a disability social worker and require them to have child in need plans. While this is for disability it’s under the child protection and safeguarding umbrella so would be reportable. obviously it would work out fine in the end as the parent is no threat to children but what about the time they are suspended pending the outcome of the investigation? Will that impact their pay? Even if they know it will be fine will it not be adding stress to an already stressed person? Is that going to follow them all their career. How many people honestly don’t make assumptions when they hear social services are investigating. It will absolutely stop parents of disabled children who work in schools seeking much needed help out of fear of the stigma.