Teachers warn new gender guidance for English schools could put children at risk

‘A carte-blanche approach of outing all children to their parents will put a high number at risk,’ one teacher said. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Teachers in England are warning that young people could be put at risk of harm and homelessness if the government presses ahead with new guidance compelling schools to inform parents if their child is questioning their gender.

Union leaders accused ministers of trying to inflame a culture war around gender issues in schools to distract from their “appalling record on underfunding, pay erosion and teacher shortages”. All unions in England have rejected the government’s latest pay offer for teachers, and fresh strikes are planned for Thursday and Tuesday 2 May.