In newly published government guidance, schools in England are now required to inform parents if their child expresses a desire to change their gender identity at school. The Department for Education (DfE) has issued this guidance to help teachers navigate the sensitive issue and act in the best interests of students.

Under the new guidelines, schools are advised to exercise caution when addressing requests from pupils to use a new name, pronouns, or uniform. Teachers have the authority to withhold information if they believe that revealing such information could potentially put the child at "significant" risk.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan emphasized the importance of including parents in decision-making processes concerning their children. The guidance recognizes the role of parental views and highlights the need to strike a balance between acknowledging the child's desires and ensuring the parents' involvement.

Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch clarified that schools are not obligated to accept a child's request for a social transition, which refers to changing one's name, pronouns, or clothing to align with their gender identity. Furthermore, the guidance emphasizes that teachers and students should not feel pressured to use different pronouns.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), a teaching union, welcomed the publication of the guidance and pledged to review and ensure its clarity and practicality.

The new guidance does not impose a general duty on teachers to allow students to socially transition, encouraging instead a cautious approach that involves "watchful waiting periods" and consulting parents before any decisions are made. Kevin Sexton, head teacher at Chesterfield High School in Liverpool, expressed that the guidance aligns with the approach his school already takes in supporting transgender students.

However, the guidance also allows teachers to withhold information from parents in "exceptionally rare" circumstances where there is a risk of significant harm to the child. It also acknowledges that some individuals may hold protected religious or other beliefs that conflict with the school's decision, allowing for exemptions to be made regarding a child's chosen name and pronouns.

In addition, the guidance addresses facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, and sports, advocating for separation based on a child's birth sex. It makes it clear that children aged 11 or older should not change or wash in front of children of the opposite sex. Schools are advised to provide single-sex toilets for students aged eight and over, and any gender-neutral facilities should have lockable doors or be fully enclosed.

The release of this guidance comes after the government missed its original deadline earlier this year due to legal advice indicating that a ban on social transitioning without new legislation would be unlawful. The guidelines will now undergo a 12-week public consultation process, allowing teachers, parents, and interested groups to weigh in with their views.

Some teachers have expressed relief that the guidance has been published, as it will help schools navigate complex situations related to gender identity. However, others have stated anonymously that they will continue following their own policies regardless.

An interim report commissioned by NHS England on gender identity services for children and young people highlighted the need for more information about social transitioning. The report indicated that further research is necessary to better understand the impact and implications of social transitioning on young individuals.

One parent shared her disconcertment with BBC News, revealing that she was "completely horrified" to discover that her daughter had been using a different name and pronouns at school without her knowledge. She expressed her frustration with the school for actively concealing this information for several months, despite her ongoing communication and concerns for her daughter's well-being.

The guidance aims to strike a delicate balance between respecting a child's gender identity and involving parents in the decision-making process. With the introduction of this guidance, schools in England will now have clearer guidelines and support to navigate the complexities surrounding gender identity in an educational setting.