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Question
The Shadow Minister asked the Secretary of State about the ability of teachers to respond urgently to child abuse issues, even when they arise outside proposed age limits and among younger children. She also inquired into teaching diverse family structures including transgender individuals.
Minister reply
The minister responded by emphasising that RSHE must be factual and appropriate for the age of students while respecting parents' rights to know what their children are learning. She clarified that gender identity should not be taught as a spectrum but rather on a factual basis at an appropriate age, without pushing contested ideologies.
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Question
The MP questioned the practicality of ensuring parents are fully informed and the adequacy of mental health support in schools given current guidance. He asked about potential financial implications for schools.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the importance of parent engagement and stated that the new guidance will make it clear that providers must not hide materials from parents, though she did not provide specifics on financial implications or additional funding.
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Question
The MP highlighted issues of gender identity and asked about the government's stance on teaching transgender-related topics.
Minister reply
The minister reiterated that the guidance clearly states that contested ideas around gender should not be taught in schools, but factual information at an appropriate age is permissible.
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Question
The MP questioned whether there was a need for further research before making decisions on RSHE content and expressed concerns over the impact of guidance on children's education.
Minister reply
The minister stated that extensive research, evidence gathering, and advice from experts informed the updated guidance. She emphasised that the goal is to ensure factual and appropriate education without pushing any agendas.
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Question
The MP inquired about how schools will be supported in implementing new guidelines, especially with respect to sexual harassment content.
Minister reply
The minister confirmed that the guidance includes specific advice for teachers on handling issues like online influencers and abusive behaviour. She did not detail additional support but noted that existing resources should suffice.
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Question
Expressed concerns about consultation with school leaders and the need for age-appropriate education, urgent responses from teachers, family diversity inclusion in RSHE, mental health support teams, parental access to information, and children's exposure to inappropriate online content.
Minister reply
Addressed concerns by emphasising clarity, teacher discretion for individual questions, factual teaching on gender reassignment, and progress made in mental health support within schools. Noted the availability of Oak materials in autumn.
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Question
Complimented the Secretary's proposals and expressed concern about inappropriate education material being disseminated by some organisations.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the infiltration of inappropriate materials and highlighted the importance of teaching biological sex, contrasting with Labour-run Wales' approach.
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Question
Asked how schools will manage pupil reactions to online pornography exposure.
Minister reply
Emphasised dealing with children's access to porn through other measures, highlighting parental role as primary educators and teacher discretion for individual concerns.
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Question
In answer to a question on 29 April, the Minister for Schools strongly endorsed the importance of sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996. However, he is concerned that recent guidance may undermine these provisions which ban partisan political views in schools.
Minister reply
Political impartiality is important. The guidance aims to cover commonsense exceptions such as not giving a platform to those who argue against democracy or racism. The guidance will be reviewed to ensure clarity.
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Jim McMahon
Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Question
Does the Secretary of State share his concern that not enough is being done on child safeguarding regarding child sexual exploitation? He notes that 43% of year 3 children have access to smartphones and stresses the importance of teaching these issues in schools.
Minister reply
The guidance 'Keeping children safe in education' addresses these concerns. There are ongoing discussions about limiting children's access to harmful content through mobile phones at a young age, and steps have been taken to ban smartphone use in schools.
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Question
The MP warmly welcomes the Government’s approach but asks if the Secretary of State will look again at third-party organisations that are often invited into schools, sometimes carelessly. He asserts these steal children's innocence.
Minister reply
Transparency is important. Parents and Ofsted will now be able to review materials in schools against the issued guidance.
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Question
The MP questions if it is time for teachers to have sensible conversations with young people regarding sensitive topics. He urges colleagues to create common ground rather than dividing lines.
Minister reply
Times have moved on, and the guidance aims to provide clarity requested by parents and teachers to ensure respectful discussions of these issues.
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Question
The MP welcomes the guidance but raises three issues: removal of literature within schools, enforcement of the guidance, and a public inquiry into how children were put on a damaging health path.
Minister reply
Materials will now have to be shown to parents, no ifs or buts. Enforcement includes Ofsted’s usual processes which look at what is being taught in schools against the guidance.
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Question
The MP welcomes the statement and asks for an explanation of how many children have been exposed to unscientific gender ideology, steps to correct mistakes made, and assurance that nothing like this can ever happen again.
Minister reply
She takes responsibility for England. Gender questioning guidance was issued in December last year, and she is willing to work with Wales and Scotland if they want to address the issue.
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Question
Welcomes the guidance and asks about enforcement mechanisms when schools repeatedly breach it, as well as transparency for parents to know what their children are being taught.
Minister reply
Responds that Ofsted will use this guidance during inspections. Also mentions putting more communication on the education hub so parents can find out their rights.
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Question
Concerned about teachers not being trained to deliver RSE, and notes the influence of lobby groups in England and Wales. Asks if the minister will share expert panel’s findings with the new Education Minister in Wales.
Minister reply
Agrees to a meeting with the Welsh Education Minister. Acknowledges poor-quality materials that have been used before and commits to producing quality materials through Oak National Academy.
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Question
Asks if the remedy should be statutory requirement or guidance.
Minister reply
States it is statutory guidance, transparently available to parents and enforced by Ofsted. Supports teachers and headteachers in ensuring the correct implementation.
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Question
Cites evidence of inadequate RSE education leading to high rates of STIs among young people, and asks how new guidance will address this issue.
Minister reply
Commits to addressing the concerns raised through materials produced by Oak National Academy and cooperation with the Children’s Commissioner.
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Question
Welcomes focus on tackling misogyny but asks about providing positive male role models for young boys.
Minister reply
Confirms that positive male role models will be celebrated and supported to counter misogynistic online influencers.
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Question
Compliments the Secretary of State on her wisdom in issuing guidance, and asks for protection of children’s innocence across all regions of the UK.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need to balance letting kids be kids with equipping them for a complex world. Confirms commitment to protecting the innocence of children.