Ofsted inspectors noted a lack of ‘gender identity’ teaching as one of the reasons for some elementary schools’ low results.
Pre-Covid inspections of two primary schools in 2019 and 2020 that were rated’requires improvement’ detailed how the schools failed to teach students about ‘gender identity’ and ‘gender diversity.’
Inspectors labeled a third school ‘inadequate,’ saying it had not taught students about ‘gender reassignment,’ among other things, according to The Telegraph.
Gender identity education in schools is a contentious issue, with support from transgender advocacy groups and opposition from sex-based rights activists.
According to critics, the subject is improper for youngsters and risks pressuring young people to identify as transgender rather than homosexual or lesbian.
‘These horrible classes are how this mentality goes into schools,’ said Dr Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at campaign group Sex Matters. I’d like to see Ofsted crack down on this, as well as defend single-sex restrooms and sports.
‘Gender identity is a myth. It is unscientific, nonsensical, and age-inappropriate. It’s brainwashing and contributing to a social contagion in which your instructor tells you it’s true and it’s emphasized at school. So how can a girl declare, “I don’t want boys in my locker room”?
‘There is a Wild West here, which the DfE [Department for Education] has created via a lack of transparency.’
Following recommendations from the Equality and Human Rights Commission on how instructors should respond to students who desire different names, genders, and pronouns, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi has issued new instructions.
Last year, the organisation Stonewall, which promotes teaching methods centered on gender self-identification, complained to Ofsted about inspectors failing to address trans issues in the classroom.
Although the education watchdog has severed links with the charity’s diversity training program, it paid £5,000 on membership fees in 2019 and 2020.
Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, also spoke at Stonewall’s 2019 conference.
According to current government guidance, headteachers must take into account the nine protected characteristics outlined in the 2010 Equality Act. Sex, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, and gender reassignment are examples of these.
Gender reassignment, according to the law, must include a process of gender transition but does not have to include treatment. Gender identity, on the other hand, is not a protected feature.
‘In none of the cases offered, a school was failed for grounds related to teaching about gender issues,’ said an Ofsted spokeswoman, because other issues are taken into account as well.
‘Our inspections ensure that schools promote an inclusive environment that fits the needs of all their students – while taking into account protected characteristics – and that they build students’ awareness of healthy relationships through age-appropriate relationships and sex education.’
‘Our framework does not go any further than the Department for Education guidance, which establishes legal standards for schools to meet and clearly stipulates that all students should receive LGBT relationship education during their school years.’
‘The Department for Education’s statutory guidance refers to both “gender identity” and “gender reassignment,” which is why we use the same terminology.’
‘All kids should receive training on LGBT subject during their school years, and schools should ensure that content is incorporated into the wider curriculum in an age-appropriate manner,’ a DfE spokeswoman added.
‘We recognize that gender identity can be a complex and sensitive matter for schools to manage, which is why we continue to work with Ofsted and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission on this issue to ensure we are providing the clearest possible guidance to schools.’