| SPOTLIGHT |
The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has said that teachers and parents are “crying out” for guidance on policies for transgender pupils, in an interview with PA Media.
In July, the Government delayed its guidance for schools in England on how to deal with pupils who want to transition, after the Attorney General for England and Wales advised part of the guidance might be unlawful.
The draft guidance expressed that children should be allowed to ‘socially transition’ with the consent of their parents, which could involve changing their name, appearance and pronouns.
Sunak had promised the advice before the summer holidays, but it is now expected to be set out in the autumn.
De Souza warned that the delayed guidance should be issued “as soon as possible”.
“I think headteachers, families and children are calling for it, crying out for it”, she said in an interview with PA Media.
“There are 23,000 schools [in England]. We can’t have everyone doing different things – it’s got to be fair for all children.”
A Government spokesperson said: “The Education Secretary is working closely with the Minister for Women and Equalities to provide guidance to schools and colleges.
“Given the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, we’re taking the time to make sure any guidance we provide is as clear as possible.
“We’ve been repeatedly clear about the importance of biological sex and we advise that schools and colleges proceed with caution - prioritising the safeguarding and wellbeing of all children and involving parents in decisions relating to their child.”
Julie McCulloch, Director of Policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We have been making the case for many years that there is a real need for the government to provide clear guidance on provision for transgender and gender-questioning pupils.
"At present, schools have to navigate this complex and sensitive subject entirely on their own. This is a highly polarised issue which elicits strong views and it’s essential that any guidance is fully consulted upon. School and college leaders and teachers must be central to that consultation process to ensure the guidance produced is genuinely fair and supportive to all pupils and practical for schools to deliver.”
The Children’s Commissioner yesterday (14 September) launched ‘The Big Ambition’, a new campaign to hear directly from children and parents across the country.
The national survey will be used to encourage policymakers to think about children and young people’s needs, “to ensure children’s voices are reflected in the decisions that will affect them in years to come”, said De Souza.
Lottie Winson
