Trans and Non-binary Children 2023-06-07
2023-06-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over schools' responsibilities regarding transgender and non-binary pupils.
Whether it is her policy that schools should tell parents if their children are trans or non-binary. Does the government have a clear stance on this?
Parental involvement is crucial in decisions about children, particularly those concerning transitioning. We are developing guidance for schools on this sensitive matter which will involve a public consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific request regarding outrageous policy implications or acknowledge existing statistics and safeguarding concerns.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the perception of prioritizing contentious issues at the expense of more pressing matters.
What signal does the Minister think sending by focusing on 'drag story time' sends to vulnerable LGBT children?
This is a complex matter requiring support for schools in handling sensitive issues. We are producing guidance to help them manage these concerns effectively.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific request regarding signal and prioritization of concerns faced by LGBTQ+ youth, instead focusing on providing general support.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over a reported policy to instruct schools to disclose students' gender identities against their will.
Given the risks involved, does the Minister agree it would be outrageous for schools to 'out' pupils to families without consent?
There is a difference between advice given in confidence and decisions requiring parental involvement. We will publish guidance shortly for public consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific request regarding the potential outrageousness of such policy, instead explaining the distinction between types of discussions.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Emphasis on the importance of parental trust and involvement in sensitive decisions.
We need to trust parents. Should schools inform children and parents when a child is in distress?
Parental involvement is crucial for sensitive decisions like those involving transitioning. Schools should ensure parents are involved in such matters.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific request regarding informing parents about children's distress, instead focusing on the importance of parental involvement in decisions.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over schools operating self-identification policies and the psychological implications of social transition.
Does the Minister agree that guidance must clarify teachers are not qualified to make such decisions and that protecting children according to their biological sex is safe?
We are producing guidance which will consider pieces of work such as Dr Hilary Cass's independent review to provide the clearest possible advice.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific request regarding clarification about teachers' qualifications or safe approaches, instead noting consideration of expert reviews.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over politicization and delays in providing necessary guidance for schools.
Does the Minister agree that this situation has been highly politicised to the detriment of those trying to do their best? When will he support teachers?
We are drafting guidance which considers expert advice including that from the NSPCC. Drafting is ongoing, and it will be published shortly with public consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific request regarding politicisation or commitment to prompt publication, instead discussing current status of guidance drafting.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over schools' reliability in informing parents when their children express a wish to change gender.
Can the Minister confirm that parents must be kept informed of such an important change in behaviour concerning their child?
Parental involvement is paramount. We are thinking about and discussing with experts as we draft guidance to ensure proper consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific request regarding mandatory parental involvement, instead noting ongoing discussions and expert consultations.
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from conflicting rumours and delays in the government's plan, affecting parents, pupils, and schools seeking clarity.
Schools, parents, and pupils are frustrated with conflicting newspaper rumours about the Government's plans. The questioner asks if the delay is due to disagreements between Ministers regarding these plans.
The Minister denies disagreements and states they are closely consulting experts on drafting comprehensive guidance. He asserts the guidance is being drafted for public consultation shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about internal disagreements was not confirmed or denied directly.
Working Closely
Consulting Experts
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by over a year of delays in delivering guidance to schools, amidst internal government battles and the collapse of the LGBT action plan.
The questioner criticises the prolonged delay in providing guidance and accuses the Government of failing LGBT+ people due to internal conflicts. She asks for an apology from the Minister.
The Minister asserts that despite varied views, the Government is determined to publish high-quality guidance for schools soon. He promises a full public consultation to consider all expressed opinions.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for an apology was not directly addressed.
Range Of Views
Public Consultation
Response accuracy