Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with local authorities about the appropriateness of teaching materials indicating to children that someone can be (1) male, (2) female, (3) intersex, or (4) "another sex".

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education was concerned to hear reports of inappropriate materials being used in schools and that contested topics are being taught as fact. This is why the department brought forward the first review of the RSHE statutory guidance, including appointing an independent panel to provide expert advice on what is appropriate to be taught in RSHE and at what age. Details on this panel and their role can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/relationships-health-and-sex-education-independent-review.

Transparency is also important, and parents should be able to see what their children are being taught. The Secretary of State has twice written to schools to remind them that copyright law does not prevent them sharing external resources with parents and to clarify that any contractual clause that prevents schools from sharing materials is void and unenforceable. The department will ensure that the updated guidance fully reflects this very clear position. The Secretary of State’s letters to schools about sharing curriculum resources with parents can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secretary-of-state-letter-to-schools-about-sharing-curriculum-resources-with-parents.

A draft of the amended guidance will be published for consultation as soon as possible.