Schools should use transgender books, says new guidance

Primary schools should use books featuring transgender parents or celebrating gender identity, according to fresh guidance from the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).

The new guidance from the trade union, which represents over 28,500 school leaders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has been endorsed by Stonewall, the government and Ofsted. It covers a range of issues aiming to help schools "become places where all staff can thrive and feel confident to be authentic about who they are". 

In NAHT's specific guidance for school leaders on supporting trans staff, as well as trans students and children with trans parents, it stresses the importance of an inclusive school environment and visibility of trans issues to ensure they "feel positively represented in lesson content and welcomed in the school environment". 

It adds: "Primary school leaders may want to ensure books featuring trans parents or celebrating gender identity and difference are included in the curriculum".

Critics have suggested the guidance could confuse children. According to the Times, Chris McGovern, head of the Campaign for Real Education, said: "Indoctrination in the politically correct anxieties, passions and neuroses of adults has no place in school. This latest intrusion into childhood will cause upset, confusion and trauma for many youngsters."

A government spokesman said: "Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity should be given the same opportunity to succeed. We welcome any initiative which supports LGBT staff in schools."