- By Lauren Moss, LGBT correspondent & Josh Parry, LGBT producer
- BBC News
Image source, Getty Images
Stock image of adult comforting child
Teachers should inform parents if their child wishes to change their gender identity at school, under newly-published government guidance.
Schools in England should “take a very cautious approach” if pupils want to use a new name, pronouns or uniform.
Teachers will be able to withhold information if they believe a child could be put at “significant” risk.
The Department for Education (DfE) says it will assist teachers to act in the best interest of pupils.
The guidance, which applies to schools in England, has been promised since 2018 and is not compulsory.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Parents’ views must also be at the heart of all decisions made about their children.”
Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch added the guidance made clear “schools do not have to accept a child’s request to socially transition” – a term referring to when someone wants to change their name, pronoun, or clothing to reflect…
