Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether their forthcoming guidance for schools on gender identity will take into account the expert evidence cited by Nigel and Sally Rowe in their legal case against the Department for Education which reported harmful effects from affirming children in gender transition.

The Department believes that all pupils should be supported whilst growing up. Our schools, colleges and teachers are committed to supporting all pupils and students to thrive and reach their potential in a safe and respectful environment.

All schools and colleges must have regard to the Department’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)’ statutory guidance, when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The KCSIE statutory guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2.

The Department is working with the Minister for Women and Equalities to develop guidance for schools in relation to supporting gender questioning pupils. The Department will consider all the evidence, including any relevant cases, such as Mr and Mrs Rowes’. However, we cannot comment further on what the guidance will or will not contain, as we will shortly be holding a full public consultation on our proposed approach.