Proposed updates to KSCIE
Need to know:
Guidance on children who are questioning their gender will be included as a new section in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory safeguarding guidance, in proposals set out by the Department for Education. It includes guidance on shared toilets, changing rooms and residential accommodation.
A consultation on the proposals will close on 22 April, with final guidance expected in September 2026.
Read more on the Department for Education website (external link).
Keeping children safe in education - proposed gender guidance
The education sector has been waiting for official guidance on how to manage the issue of gender identity in schools and offsite on residential educational visits. In a written statement on 12 February, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the Government’s intentions for gender in schools. Here’s what we know and what it means for schools and educational visits.
Click the button below to view the proposals on the Department for Education website.
What is being proposed?
The Department for Education has proposed that new guidance on children questioning their gender will be included in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026, bringing children’s safeguarding and wellbeing advice together in one place.
Under the proposal, schools and colleges must not allow children over eight to use toilets designated for the opposite biological sex, or children over eleven to use changing rooms designated for the opposite biological sex. On residential accommodation, young people must not share boarding or overnight accommodation with those of the opposite sex.
The proposed guidance states that children who are questioning their gender may require sensitive support from their school, with parental involvement and consideration of any clinical advice to help prevent safeguarding issues. Schools and colleges are advised to provide suitable alternatives where needed, while maintaining single-sex facilities.
This proposed guidance is informed by responses to an earlier consultation, published by the previous government. By including this guidance in KCSIE, the government aims to clarify the responsibilities of schools and colleges and put this on a statutory footing.
A consultation on Keeping Children Safe in Education which includes these proposals on gender and a broad range of other safeguarding matters, is due to close on 22 April and final guidance is likely to be published in September 2026.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the new guidance provides "pragmatic support for teachers, reassurance for parents, and above all, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people".
What does this mean for schools?
It is important to be aware of potential future changes and how they may affect your setting. You have the opportunity to contribute your views to the consultation in its draft form, deadline for submissions is 22 April 2026.
For now, schools should continue to refer to your establishment policy on how to manage facilities and accommodation for gender questioning children on educational visits. Speak to your adviser for support.
A press release from the Department for Education can be found here.
Further reading from OEAP National Guidance:
OEAP National Guidance 4.4L Transgender Young People and Visits
This publication is a general summary of guidance. It should not replace advice tailored to your specific circumstances. ©️EVOLVE Advice 2026
If you’d like further support on this issue, or advice on other aspects related to educational visits, speak to your Educational Visits Adviser.