Schools left to write own transgender rules ‘behind parents’ backs’
by Louisa Clarence-Smith , Telegraph:
Headteachers will continue to decide whether to tell guardians about a child changing their identity.
Schools will continue to set their own policies on transgender pupils, including whether to tell parents if a child has changed their name, as the Government delays new guidance.
The Department for Education (DfE) has been working on national guidance for headteachers on transgender pupils since April.
However, Whitehall sources told The Telegraph that this will not be ready for the autumn term.
The guidance, which is being drawn up with the support of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, is expected to include clear instructions about keeping parents informed if their child says they want to become known socially by a new name and gender identity.
It will also advise schools on which changing rooms can be used by transgender pupils, whether they can join single-sex sports teams, and what uniform they should wear.
Currently, teachers have a legal obligation under the 2010 Equalities Act to protect all pupils from discrimination, but there is no national guidance for schools on what to do when a child says they want to socially transition.
It is understood that James Cleverly, who was appointed Education Secretary last month after his two predecessors resigned within days of each other, has no appetite to bring forward such a major policy before a new prime minister and Cabinet is appointed.
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
