Trans guidance for schools: Teachers will not be ‘compelled’ to use a child’s preferred pronouns
Graham Robson December 19, 2023
Trans guidance for schools in England has been published by the Department for Education today (Tuesday, December 19), after being delayed from the summer.
The non-statutory guidance requires schools to inform parents if their children say they wish to change their gender identity, with some narrow exemptions such as the child being at risk of harm. The guidance also tells schools they are under no “general duty” to allow children to socially transition, and that teachers will not be compelled to address children who want to change their gender identity by their chosen pronoun if they have a “good faith” objection.
The guidance also adds that schools should provide separate toilets for boys and girls aged eight and above – and changing rooms and showers for boys and girls who are aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year.
The guidance says: “All children should use the toilets, showers and changing facilities designated for their biological sex unless it will cause distress for them to do so.
“In these instances, schools and colleges should seek to find alternative arrangements, while continuing to ensure spaces are single-sex.”
Allsorts Youth Project, the LGBTQ+ youth charity, released a statement on the release o the trans guidance, saying: “The Department for Education has published a consultation on their non-statutory draft guidance for schools and colleges with regards to gender questioning children and young people.
“We have been expecting this guidance for some time and at this early stage of the consultation, it is important to Allsorts Youth Project that our community is aware of the following:
1) No laws have been changed or implemented.
2) The draft guidance is non-statutory and open to consultation until 12th March 2024.
3) Over the coming weeks, we will be reading and discussing the guidance in depth in order to inform our response to the consultation.
4) Our recommendations and response will be grounded in nearly 25 years of experience in the sector, and informed by the real life experiences of those the guidance will directly impact; trans, non-binary and gender-exploring children & young people, and their families.
5) Allsorts will be closed between 23rd December and 2nd January. If you are a young person or family member in need of support during this time, please visit the Help & Support page of our website for signposts to a range of services, including crisis support.”
