Schools must tell parents if child is 'transitioning', government says

"Legally-binding guidance brought by the Department for Education (DfE) on Thursday (12 February) says it is "vital" that schools and colleges inform parents or guardians if students present signs of gender dysphoria. It further instructs staff not to encourage students to "socially transition" and to take a "very careful approach" in using a transgender pupil's name or pronouns. Primary schools have been specifically instructed only to affirm a trans child's gender identity "very rarely"."

"Education secretary, Bridget Philipson claimed the guidance was "following the evidence", saying that children's safety is "not negotiable". She did not clarify how affirming gender questioning pupils would impact their safety. "This is about pragmatic support for teachers, reassurance for parents, and above all, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people." Dr Hilary Cass, the author of the widely-controversial review into trans youth healthcare, backed the updated guidance, saying it "reflects the recommendations of my review"."

England's Department for Education issued legally binding guidance requiring schools and colleges to inform parents or guardians in the vast majority of cases when pupils show signs of gender dysphoria. Staff are instructed not to encourage social transition, to use names and pronouns with a very careful approach, and to affirm a trans child's gender identity in primary schools only very rarely. The draft includes minor exceptions but emphasizes caution. Education secretary Bridget Philipson framed the policy as following evidence and prioritizing children's safety. Dr Hilary Cass supported the guidance; campaigners criticized its language and restrictions on affirmation.

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