Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure that (a) schools and (b) educational systems provide inclusive (i) physical environments and (ii) social education for trans students.

Schools make decisions relating to the management and operation of their buildings. This includes ensuring that they comply with the School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 or the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, for local authority maintained schools and academies respectively. The department’s published advice can be accessed at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/410294/Advice_on_standards_for_school_premises.pdf.

Other educational providers are also expected to fulfil their legal obligations, when drafting their policies concerning the provision of, and access to, single-sex facilities.

Regarding social education, relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) seeks to equip all pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive and have happy and healthy personal and social lives. The statutory guidance is clear that RSHE should be taught sensitively and inclusively.

The department is currently reviewing the RSHE statutory guidance and the draft non-statutory guidance on gender questioning children. We are looking carefully at the consultation responses, discussing with stakeholders and considering the relevant evidence before setting out next steps.