A few weeks ago the Department for Education published their draft guidance relating to trans and non-binary students in schools, which they are calling 'Gender Questioning Students'.

This is draft non-statutory guidance, which is open for a 12 week consultation period ending in March. This is not new law, and it is not statutory guidance. Right now, what is happening in schools should not change, or be informed by, what this draft guidance says. Teachers and schools should continue to follow the statutory safeguarding advice set out in 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' which states:

- 'The fact that a child or a young person may be LGBT is not in itself an inherent risk factor for harm.'

- 'It is... vital that staff endeavour to reduce the additional barriers faced [by transgender children] and provide a safe space for them to speak out or share their concerns with members of staff.'

We encourage you to read the draft guidance in full, to consider how this guidance, if implemented, would impact young people in schools, and share your thoughts through the consultation. Below are some relevant resources which may support you in doing so:

1. You can read the guidance in full here: https://consult.education.gov.uk/equalities-political-impartiality-anti-bullying-team/gender-questioning-children-proposed-guidance/supporting_documents/Gender%20Questioning%20Children%20%20nonstatutory%20guidance.pdf

2. The TNB Network website has a comprehensive response to the draft guidance (an easy read version is also available). You can find that report here: https://tnb.org.uk/our-law-toolkit

3. The TNB Network and Schools Out UK are hosting a free webinar for educators on Thursday 11th January at 6:30PM. This is an opportunity for educators to find out more about the draft guidance and consultation period. You can sign up here:

TNBwebinar.eventbrite.com

We will continue to share information and resources linked to the draft guidance and consultation period through our social media platforms and website. If you have specific questions regarding the information shared in this episode please get in touch, we'd be happy to support in any way we can:

[email protected]

www.prideprogress.co.uk