Do not require schools to tell parents their child is transgender/non-binary
- Parliament:
- 2019–24
- Signatures:
- 39,948
- Responded:
- 17 May 2023
- Department:
- Department for Education
The petition
There are reports that the Government is planning to introduce guidance stating that schools in England must inform parents if a young person seeks to change their name or starts wearing different uniform. We believe this information should be kept confidential, unless the child chooses to share it.
For many trans and non-binary children, school is a safe space where they can escape any transphobia at home and live as their preferred gender. We are concerned about reports of new Government guidance that would require schools to tell a trans or non-binary child's parents if the child wishes to socially transition in school. This has the potential to put these children in danger of abuse at home.
This will not only affect today's children, but children of future generations. We need to stop this before it is too late.
The government's response
We are developing guidance to help schools to support pupils questioning their gender and will be consulting on this shortly.
The Department for Education believes that all children should be supported whilst growing up and that they are able to thrive and reach their potential in a safe and respectful environment.
We know that gender is a complex and sensitive issue, and that some schools and colleges feel that they need more support in this area in order to help pupils and parents and deal with concerns raised. That is why we are working with the Minister for Women and Equalities to develop guidance to help schools and colleges to support children who are questioning their gender.
We are currently in the process of finalising a draft of the guidance. Once the draft is complete, we will hold a full public consultation on the guidance prior to its final publication.
Schools and colleges must have regard to statutory guidance as stated in the Department for Education document “Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE),” when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The KCSIE statutory guidance can be accessed via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2.
Department for Education