Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the withdrawal by Oxford Council of guidance to schools which allowed transgender pupils to choose which toilet facilities to use, what plans they have issue national guidance to ensure the provision of single-sex spaces and facilities in all schools; and what plans are in place to ensure the safeguarding of all female schoolchildren.

All children and young people must be kept safe. All schools must continue to have regard to statutory guidance as stated in the Department for Education document ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

This document covers issues that disproportionately effect girls, such as peer on peer abuse, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The department prescribes standards for the premises of all maintained schools, and independent schools including academies and free schools. The department has published guidance for local authorities, proprietors, school leaders, school staff and governing bodies advising on standards for school premises.