ASCL will now review whether guidance on gender questioning children is clear and deliverable

Commenting on the publication of a government consultation on draft guidance for schools and colleges on gender questioning children, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We have been asking the government to produce guidance for schools and colleges on this complex and sensitive issue for many years. It is frustrating that ministers have dithered and delayed for so long, but we welcome the fact that draft guidance has now been published.

“However, getting to the stage of publication is only one part of the equation – the other important consideration is whether it is actually helpful. We’re now going to spend some time discussing the details with school and college leaders before responding in full to the consultation. In particular, we’ll be reviewing whether the guidance is clear and deliverable and whether it places extra workload on education staff who are already working at full stretch.”