William Eichler 20 April 2016

Brighton criticised for option to select gender on school form

A council has come under attack for the decision to allow children to choose their gender on primary school application forms.

Brighton and Hove City Council has asked four-year-olds to select the gender ‘they most identify with’ on the council form in a move intended ‘to show an inclusive approach to gender.’

The decision was characterised as ‘utterly ridiculous’ by Tory MP Andrew Bridgen who told The Independent: ‘Schools should be teaching kids to read and write, not prompting them to consider gender swaps.’

Cllr Emma Daniel, the council’s lead member for equalities, defended the policy as a response to calls from families, young people and schools to approach the question of gender in a more inclusive manner.

‘There are increasing numbers of children and young people nationally identifying as Trans,’ she said.

‘Many Trans people nationally report having been bullied when they were at school. By acknowledging the range of gender identities in our school communities we are helping ensure schools are safe spaces for everyone.’

Cllr Daniel acknowledged concerns over the wording on the school form.

‘We are aware of concerns that have been raised about the new wording we have used on our form relating to gender identity.

’We will review this to see whether we can in future make it clearer that we consider discussions around gender identity to be an option for parents if they feel it is appropriate rather than an obligation.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Regeneration Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£65,098 - £71,353
The Major Projects and Regeneration Team, part of our Place, Economy and Environment directorate, is at the heart of delivering this vision. Working with government, private sector partners and our local communities, we are driving forward projects funded One Angel Square 4 Angel Street Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Streetscene

Fareham Borough Council
£92,027 - £105,394 (Director Grade) Pay award pending
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Shared Lives Social Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£37,035 - £43,693
About the Role Your role will be working with Shared Lives Carers and people who use the service to ensure that there is a good outcome for everyone. Assessing people for their suitability to become carers, presenting assessment reports to the Shared Live Abingdon with some agile working/working from home
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lawyer Employment

Durham County Council
£45,718 to £49,764 p.a. (Grade 13) pay award pending
An opportunity for an Employment Lawyer has become available to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team. Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026  20 hours per week Mon – Fri, 10am -2pm, Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner