LBC Talk Radio talked this week to an education secretary representing the government.
Primary schools should adopt a "watchful approach" and avoid coming down too hard on pupils questioning their gender, allowing them space to "experiment" and "consider who they are," the Education Secretary has said. In an interview with LBC's Call the Cabinet, Bridget Phillipson addressed how schools should respond if a young boy wishes to wear a dress or use a traditionally feminine name.
Ms Phillipson pointed to recent government guidance and the findings of the Cass review, stating that while schools must work closely with parents, they should permit "children just to consider who they are to behave in ways that might not be aligned with their sex or their gender." She emphasised that a measured response can reduce the likelihood of children moving towards a medicalised path.
"So if a boy wants to wear dresses, we should just, if we allow that to work, children will experiment at different points, they will consider who they are," she added. "Taking a watchful approach, not coming down too hard on that actually reduces what we see in terms of children moving towards a more medicalised model."
The Minister noted that the number of primary school children considering transitioning is "astronomically low," describing it as "exceptionally rare" for primary schools to be involved in such processes. She was clear, however, that parents must be involved in any significant decisions regarding their child's gender, barring exceptional safeguarding concerns where a child is at risk of harm.
Her comments follow the publication of fresh draft guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), which states that while pupils should be able to socially transition, single-sex spaces such as girls' toilets must remain protected. The proposed updates to the statutory 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' guidance advise that if a child does not wish to use facilities designated for their biological sex, schools should consider providing a suitable alternative.
This guidance, informed by the Cass Review and a Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, sets out how schools should support gender-questioning children. It mandates that schools maintain single-sex spaces and certain sports, including separate toilet facilities for boys and girls over the age of eight, even where social transition is accommodated.
The draft guidance acknowledges a "significant increase" in recent years of children questioning their gender identity. It clarifies that schools should not initiate action in this area but should respond to requests from the child or their parents. Furthermore, it advises schools to consider avoiding "rigid rules based on gender stereotypes" and to take time to understand a child's feelings, being mindful of potential vulnerabilities like bullying or mental health needs.
