URGENT UPDATE: Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott has raised alarm bells over the safety of children in schools, stating that a lack of national guidance on gender-questioning pupils is putting them at risk. In a letter sent to Ofsted chief Sir Martyn Oliver, Trott criticized Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson for the “continuing lack of urgency” in addressing this critical issue.
Trott’s concerns come as schools grapple with how to support nonconforming children amid increasing pressures. She emphasized that “children’s safety must come before bureaucratic delay,” urging immediate action from government officials. The Conservative shadow education secretary pointed out that since Labour came into power in 2024, they have failed to publish essential guidance that would help schools navigate these complex situations.
“Schools are being left to navigate sensitive situations without clear national direction, at a time when pressures on institutions are intensifying,” Trott stated. She warned that many schools are feeling immense pressure to socially transition children, often against parental wishes, raising the risk of long-term psychological harm.
The continued delay has led to a “patchwork of practice” where schools are forced to create their own policies, resulting in inconsistent guidelines across different institutions. Trott has called on Ofsted to recognize the serious “safeguarding implications” of the ongoing lack of clear direction and to affirm that single-sex spaces are vital for the safety of young people in schools and society at large.
The urgency of this situation has been underscored by increased pressure on the Education Secretary to publish guidance since April, when the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued new recommendations regarding the protection of single-sex spaces. At that time, Phillipson assured MPs that guidance would be released within the year; however, government sources have confirmed that the deadline will now be missed.
With schools struggling to cope without clear protocols, the impact on children’s safety and wellbeing is immediate and profound. Parents, educators, and policymakers alike are now left in a state of uncertainty as the call for decisive action intensifies.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Education Secretary to see if she can respond effectively to these pressing concerns. The urgency of the matter has sparked conversations across social media, with many advocating for swift action to protect the most vulnerable students in the education system. Stakeholders are now awaiting a clear response from the government that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children over bureaucratic delays.
