Schools 'must tell parents if children start using different gender identity' under new guidance

16 April 2023, 10:41 | Updated: 16 April 2023, 11:16

New guidance is to be released in just weeks
New guidance is to be released in just weeks. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Schools will be ordered to tell parents if pupils start using a different gender identity and ban them using opposite sex changing rooms under new government guidance.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The document, which is still being finalised, is expected to state that family should be informed if a child begins using a new name or wearing a different uniform.

It is also expected to make clear that children who identify as a different gender from their biological sex cannot share changing or shower facilities with the opposite sex.

Instead, it will be a recommended that they are provided bespoke facilities where possible, according to the Sunday Times.

It comes after PM Rishi Sunak said he was "very concerned" after claims emerged that schools were not informing parents if their child has begun to question their gender.

Read more: Furious parents launch petition after major change to October half-term school holiday

Read more: 'We should do it more!': Children's author explains why drag queens help with representation in schools.

Rishi Sunak said he was "very concerned" after claims emerged that schools were not informing parents
Rishi Sunak said he was "very concerned" after claims emerged that schools were not informing parents. Picture: Alamy

Other guidance included in the document suggests biological males who have socially transitioned should not be allowed to join girls’ teams for certain contact and competitive school sports and the same goes for biological females wanting to join boys' teams.

However, the rules around non-contact sports will be more relaxed.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan was tasked with drawing up the new guidance and it is expected to be published within weeks.

It will apply to all state and independent schools in England and is intended to provide clarity on how schools should approach safeguarding children with gender dysphoria.

There has been growing concern from MPs and campaigners over inconsistencies between schools dealing with socially transitioning pupils, with many appearing to neglect their safeguarding duties.

The Policy Exchange report from March said some schools were mistakenly using the Equality Act or data protection rules as a way to justify not telling families about their child's gender changes.

There is an exception if a child is believed to be at risk of “significant harm” at home.

Gillian Keegan
Gillian Keegan. Picture: Alamy

The details of the guidance comes as Mr Sunak prepares to deliver a speech on his plans for education.

Later in the year, guidance will also be released on relationship, sex and health education (RSHE), highlighting that teaching that conflates biological sex and gender could breach political impartiality rules.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Rob and Lindsey Burrow a few weeks before he died

Rob Burrow's wife reveals heartbreaking moment she knew rugby league star 'couldn't go on' with MND struggle

Axel Rudakubana will be 'target number one' in prison

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana's sentence won't be referred to Court of Appeal despite claims it's 'unduly lenient'

The damaged shield

'Risk of radioactive leak' after Russian 'high explosive' drone hits Chernobyl, causing 'significant damage'

The fire broke out at the Chiltern Firehouse

Fire engulfs celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse as 100 evacuated from luxury hotel

Trump confirms he will meet Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks'

Trump to meet with Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks' - as JD Vance slams Europe in fiery speech

Both Meghan and Kate shared Valentine's pictures

Harry and Meghan share sweet Valentine's photo after William and Kate also post romantic picture

Jaden Sheriff.

Man found guilty of killing ex-girlfriend's neighbour over 'blue balls', sentenced to life imprisonment

The woman was attacked by a shark

Horror as woman loses both hands after being mauled by shark as husband desperately fights it off

United States Vice-President JD Vance, second right, meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, third left, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich

'Putin is a liar': Zelenskyy's warning to Trump as Ukraine's leader voices concern over 'risky' phone calls with Russia

Addenbrookes hospital, Cambridge

Children's surgeon suspended after nine operations fall 'below standards' in Cambridge

Lesley Joseph refuses to discuss Pauline Quirke's dementia diagnosis.

'I won't talk about her at the moment': Lesley Joseph refuses to discuss Pauline Quirke's dementia diagnosis

Ada Bikakci

Girl, 9, killed after being hit by London bus, as driver charged with driving while drunk or on drugs

Exclusive
A small group of secondary school pupils working on practical experiments in a chemistry lab.

Ministers should consider shortening school holidays and letting teachers work from home, union chief says

JD Vance

Free speech is 'in retreat' across Europe, claims JD Vance - as US brands it a 'bigger threat than Russia'

oxford street with shoppers

Two arrested in Oxford St 'celebrity romance scam' after victims coerced into sending £200k to 'well-known boyfriends'

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?