Overview
- The Department for Education says schools may support social transition case by case, with a very careful approach and parental consultation unless there is a genuine safeguarding concern.
- Schools must maintain single-sex toilets and changing areas, bar mixed-sex sleeping on trips, restrict entry to opposite-sex facilities, and keep some sports single-sex for safety.
- A child’s birth sex must be accurately recorded in school and college records, and staff are told schools should respond to requests rather than initiate any transition.
- Leaders are instructed to consider any clinical advice, and no individual member of staff can agree to transition a child without wider school processes and parental involvement.
- Primary-age social transition may be agreed only very rarely, reflecting an approach backed by Dr Hilary Cass, while headteacher unions welcome clarity and critics warn of leeway that could sideline parents.