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19 December 2023

DfE Draft Guidance on Gender-Questioning Children

Legal Education Discrimination Trans UK

The DfE published draft non-statutory guidance for consultation, advising a cautious, parent-first approach to social transition.

Impact & Significance

The first national schools guidance since Section 28 directing how schools should treat trans pupils — the 'Section 28 2.0' echo of state direction of how schools may acknowledge queer identity, published as draft for consultation.

Reference Record

Date
19 December 2023
Era
2020-present
Sources
1

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Topic Guides

Section 28 2.0: The New School Guidance Section 28 2.0 is shorthand for the 2023 DfE draft guidance on gender-questioning children — the first state direction to schools on acknowledging LGBTQ+ identity since Section 28 (1988–2003). Where Section 28 forbade 'promoting homosexuality', the 2023 draft required parental involvement and specialist input before socially transitioning a pupil.

Questions This Event Helps Answer

Q What was Section 28? Section 28 was a provision of the Local Government Act 1988 that restricted local authorities from promoting homosexuality or teaching that same-sex relationships were acceptable as family relationships.

Related Events

2017 RSE Made Mandatory in Schools 2020 LGBTQ+ Inclusive Education in England 2024 Final Report of the Cass Review Published 2026 DfE Proposes Folding Gender-Questioning Guidance into KCSIE

Sources

Gender Questioning Children: Draft Guidance for Schools and Colleges government Department for Education / GOV.UK
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