What you need to know:
- The Department of Education’s draft guidance prohibits sex education before Year 5 and bans the teaching of the “contested theory of gender identity.
- The review highlighted issues within the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), noting an increase in referrals, long waiting lists, and a lack of consensus on gender dysphoria and appropriate clinical responses.
The UK Government revealed updates to its statutory guidance for schools, including the introduction of age limits for sex education and restrictions on sensitive topics. T
his decision follows reports of inappropriate materials being used in Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) lessons.
The Department of Education’s draft guidance prohibits sex education before Year 5 and bans the teaching of the “contested theory of gender identity.”
Parents will also gain access to curriculum materials. From Year 5 onwards, sex education will be taught from a “purely scientific standpoint,” covering legally protected characteristics like sexual orientation and gender reassignment.
This announcement follows the Cass Review, a four-year independent review led by Dr. Hillary Cass. The review highlighted issues within the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), noting an increase in referrals, long waiting lists, and a lack of consensus on gender dysphoria and appropriate clinical responses.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that the updated guidance aims to build trust between schools and parents, ensuring children are not exposed to inappropriate content. Sunak stated, “I will always act swiftly to protect our children, and this new guidance will do exactly that while supporting teachers and giving parents access to curriculum content if they wish.”
The new guidance also strengthens education on topics such as suicide, sexual violence and harassment, and harmful misogynistic behavior. The changes will be open for public consultation until July 11, 2024.
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