Schools' trans guidance delayed but teachers urged to use 'extreme caution' over gender self-ID
By ITV News Westminster Producer, Lucy McDaid
The publication of trans guidance for schools has been delayed, but teachers have been urged to exercise "extreme caution" in the meantime over pupils who choose to self-identify as a different gender.
In a written ministerial statement published on Thursday, the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said ministers need more information about the "long-term implications of a child to act as though they are the opposite sex".
"We also need to take care to understand how such actions affect other children in the school or college. These decisions must not be taken lightly or in haste," Ms Keegan added.
It comes after an interview with ITV News' Political Editor Robert Peston, in which Ms Keegan said the government believes schools should have conversations with parents of children who wish to change their gender self-identification.
ITV News understands the delay followed legal advice over issues regarding whether or not children should be allowed to socially identify as a different gender. It's believed the government is reluctant to introduce legislation, which it may have to if it wants to ban pupils from doing so.
The much-debated advice for schools was due to be published before schools break up for summer, but is now expected to be set out in the autumn.
A Downing Street source said schools have been "crying out for the guidance", which is also expected to advise teachers on whether parents should be told if their child is questioning their gender.
It could also state that single-sex schools aren't legally obliged to admit transgender students - something that received backlash from trans rights campaigners and charities.
Ms Keegan said: “It is vital that the guidance we publish gives clarity for schools and colleges and reassurance for parents. So, we have made the decision to allow more time – to speak to teachers, parents, lawyers and other stakeholders – in order to ensure this guidance meets the high expectations that these groups rightly have for it. "In the meantime, schools and colleges should proceed with extreme caution. They should always involve parents in decisions relating to their child, and should not agree to any changes that they are not absolutely confident are in the best interests of that child and their peers. They should prioritise safeguarding by meeting their existing legal duties to protect single sex spaces and maintain safety and fairness in single sex sport. "I want to give reassurance of how seriously we are taking this issue, and will endeavour to keep the House updated ahead of any developments.”
The advice for schools is being drawn up by Ms Keegan and the Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who has a second role of women and equalities minister.
Recent reports have suggested the two ministers have clashed over the guidance due to different stances on the issue, with Ms Badenoch understood to be taking a more hardline approach to "social transitioning" in school.
Once published it will go out to consultation before the final guidance is issued, but it's understood that a number of "complicated" issues have caused the delay.
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