Menu
22/11/2018
NI Schools To Receive Guidance On Supporting Transgender Pupils
Newly appointed Green Party leader Clare Bailey has praised the news that all Northern Ireland schools will be provided with detailed guidance on how to support transgender pupils.
It emerged on Wednesday 21 November that the Education Authority (EA) has estabished a steering group to draw up the guidelines, which will cover a number of practical issues such as name changes, uniform policy, and the use of toilets.
It comes at the request of schools, following queries about the best way to support transgender students.
Organisations represented on the steering group include the Children's Law Centre, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, the EA's educational psychology department, the NI Council for Integrated Education and Transgender NI.
Clare Bailey MLA said: "This is good news for our trans pupils as well as our schools.
"I'm also calling for a mandatory Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) Programme to be rolled out.
"This programme, alongside guidance on supporting transgender pupils can create an inclusive environment in schools and help all our pupils reach their full potential."
There are no official figures as yet on the number of school children who identify as transgender, but those who do face a number of specific challenges, according to an EA spokesperson.
"Research has highlighted a range of barriers to education and high levels of homophobic and transphobic bullying which can have a knock-on effect on young people's mental health, attendance at school and attainment," they said.
"In developing the guidance, the EA aims to increase the professional capacity and confidence of staff in supporting transgender children and young people and assist schools and youth services in promoting an inclusive environment where all children feel welcomed, safe and valued."
(JG/CM)
It emerged on Wednesday 21 November that the Education Authority (EA) has estabished a steering group to draw up the guidelines, which will cover a number of practical issues such as name changes, uniform policy, and the use of toilets.
It comes at the request of schools, following queries about the best way to support transgender students.
Organisations represented on the steering group include the Children's Law Centre, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, the EA's educational psychology department, the NI Council for Integrated Education and Transgender NI.
Clare Bailey MLA said: "This is good news for our trans pupils as well as our schools.
"I'm also calling for a mandatory Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) Programme to be rolled out.
"This programme, alongside guidance on supporting transgender pupils can create an inclusive environment in schools and help all our pupils reach their full potential."
There are no official figures as yet on the number of school children who identify as transgender, but those who do face a number of specific challenges, according to an EA spokesperson.
"Research has highlighted a range of barriers to education and high levels of homophobic and transphobic bullying which can have a knock-on effect on young people's mental health, attendance at school and attainment," they said.
"In developing the guidance, the EA aims to increase the professional capacity and confidence of staff in supporting transgender children and young people and assist schools and youth services in promoting an inclusive environment where all children feel welcomed, safe and valued."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 February 2024
Man Pleads Guilty To Number Of Sexual Offences Against Children
A 31-year-old man who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to a number of sexual abuse offences against children. Anil Patel pled guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possessing extreme pornography of children.
Man Pleads Guilty To Number Of Sexual Offences Against Children
A 31-year-old man who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to a number of sexual abuse offences against children. Anil Patel pled guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possessing extreme pornography of children.
20 February 2024
Belfast YMCA Champions Affordable Housing
In a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Belfast, local charity Belfast YMCA has released a prime piece of land to the market for sale in the Stranmillis Area. Working with commercial estate agents Frazer Kidd the land in the highly coveted BT9 area is on the market for 'offers in the region of £1m'.
Belfast YMCA Champions Affordable Housing
In a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Belfast, local charity Belfast YMCA has released a prime piece of land to the market for sale in the Stranmillis Area. Working with commercial estate agents Frazer Kidd the land in the highly coveted BT9 area is on the market for 'offers in the region of £1m'.
21 March 2024
Down Royal Announces Fibrus As New Headline Sponsor
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal's brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year's new race meeting bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to fourteen.
Down Royal Announces Fibrus As New Headline Sponsor
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal's brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year's new race meeting bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to fourteen.
12 February 2024
Dept Of Health Engages In Detailed Discussions With NI Children's Hospice
The Department of Health has been engaged in a week detailed discussions on the current situation at NI Children's Hospice (NICH) , including direct engagement with the Hospice itself. Minister for Health, Robin Swann, has said that it is clear that the financial pressures facing NICH go much deeper than any reduction of Departmental support.
Dept Of Health Engages In Detailed Discussions With NI Children's Hospice
The Department of Health has been engaged in a week detailed discussions on the current situation at NI Children's Hospice (NICH) , including direct engagement with the Hospice itself. Minister for Health, Robin Swann, has said that it is clear that the financial pressures facing NICH go much deeper than any reduction of Departmental support.
08 February 2024
PHA Launches New MMR Vaccine Campaign Amid Rising Cases
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the growing threat of measles. First and second doses of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine are now being offered to anyone aged between 12 months and 25 years who missed getting the vaccines first time around.
PHA Launches New MMR Vaccine Campaign Amid Rising Cases
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the growing threat of measles. First and second doses of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine are now being offered to anyone aged between 12 months and 25 years who missed getting the vaccines first time around.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
