Brighton & Hove City Council is seeking views on the revised draft Trans Inclusion Schools Toolkit, which is designed to empower staff and governors in the city’s schools and colleges to develop inclusive policies and practices that specifically support trans children and young people.
The council says its “commitment to equality and inclusion is unwavering”, with a vision for a city where “everyone is valued and treated with respect”.
Brighton & Hove City Council “recognises that trans young people can face obstacles to inclusion” and believes that they “deserve the same access to exceptional education, equal opportunities and high-quality support as their peers”.
“All young people deserve safety and respect, and trans and non-binary young people deserve to participate as equals in their school life.”
The Trans Inclusion Schools Toolkit has been revised to support schools, teachers, gender-questioning young people and their families and carers.
It has been regularly reviewed and updated in line with legislation since the first version was produced in 2013. This update will be the fifth version.
The updated draft sets out to support schools to:
– Develop effective equality policies and practice that represent the diversity of their communities.
– Integrate opportunities for learning for all students.
– Prepare students for life in modern Britain.
– Prevent prejudice and foster a welcoming environment.
“We welcome feedback on the draft, particularly from young people, parents and carers and the city’s school communities, so please do read through the guidance and take part in the survey.”
While offering advice on a range of areas, the key guidance in the toolkit is to recognise that support for individual children needs to be provided on a case-by-case basis, in discussion with them and their family.
With this understanding, the toolkit establishes a framework for a comprehensive school-wide approach and outlines key areas to consider when planning support.
This draft of the toolkit is based on UK law as it currently stands. Any changes in law while the review is taking place will be fed into the final version.
The council, asks that you read through the draft Trans Inclusion Schools Toolkit before sharing your views through the survey, particularly welcomes the perspective of Brighton & Hove parents with experience of trans and bon-binary and gender questioning children, as well as school staff and governors.
The consultation is open until Friday, 11 October.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “The key aim of the Trans Inclusion Schools Toolkit is to provide a framework for schools to protect the wellbeing and welfare of vulnerable young people.
“It is an entirely voluntary resource which schools can use if they choose to, and the feedback we have had from schools in the city is that they have found it a helpful and supportive resource.
“We maintain a commitment to the dignity and safety of trans children in the same way we do for all children and young people in our city.
“All young people deserve safety and respect, and trans and non-binary young people deserve to participate as equals in their school life.
“We welcome feedback on the draft, particularly from young people, parents and carers and the city’s school communities, so please do read through the guidance and take part in the survey.”
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