In a recent development that has sparked debate in the UK education sector, a survey conducted by Teacher Tapp has revealed that a significant portion of educators find the government's trans guidance for schools to be contentious. The guidance, published in late 2023 by the Conservative government, was intended to provide clarity on handling gender identity issues in educational settings.
According to the poll results released in summer 2024, nearly two-thirds of teachers who have read the draft guidance describe it as "more divisive than helpful." This finding has raised concerns among campaigners about potential resistance from educators who may be ideologically opposed to the guidelines.
The guidance, which remains in draft form, addresses several key issues:
- Parental involvement in a child's gender transition
- Schools' responsibilities regarding social transition
- Protection of single-sex spaces
- Teaching of biological sex facts
Notably, the guidance states that schools have no "general duty" to allow a child to "socially transition," which involves adopting the pronouns, uniform, or facilities of the opposite sex.
The debate surrounding this guidance occurs in the context of the Cass Review, an independent study of gender identity services for children in England. This review highlighted concerns about children being rushed into medical interventions without adequate consideration of alternatives.
Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at Sex Matters, a gender-critical campaign group, expressed worry that "activist teachers will exploit any wiggle room in the final version and continue to indoctrinate and endanger children or even breach their legal duties by ignoring the guidance entirely."
The poll also revealed that a majority of teachers (57%) had not read the guidance six months after its publication, indicating a potential lack of engagement or awareness among educators.
"The previous government laid excellent groundwork but did not take the necessary final step of producing a model policy that could act as a template for schools. The new Government cannot make the same mistake."
Labour, now in power, has been criticized for remaining "silent" on the role schools should play when children question their gender. Bridget Phillipson, the current Education Secretary, has suggested that the guidelines may be reworked, but no concrete steps have been announced.
The Department for Education has emphasized the importance of clear guidance for teachers. A spokesperson stated, "It's vitally important that teachers have clear guidance, which is why we will be looking carefully at the consultation responses and considering the relevant evidence before setting out next steps to take the RSHE and gender questioning guidance forward."
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by teachers and campaigners while ensuring the wellbeing and protection of children in schools across the UK.