Ipswich school says gender toolkit criticised by Conservative MP not a learning tool

A gender diagram that sparked anger from a Conservative MP about its use in a school has never been used as a teaching resource, the school said.

Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said he feared the use of a diagram called "The Genderbread Person" could have "dangerous consequences".

A video of the diagram with the school's name on it was shared online.

Northgate High School said it was disappointed Mr Hunt had not reached out before making the comments.

The school said the resource has only ever formed part of a staff toolkit on language, which has not been used since October 2022 and has never been used as a teaching resource.

The diagram - a resource from website It's Pronounced Metrosexual - makes a distinction between identity, attraction, expression and sex.

The video shared online was part of a training session for adults at another institution, the school said.

The school's head teacher said its curriculums were planned and audited following government guidelines.

Mr Hunt admitted he had not spoken to the school or sought more information beyond the short videos shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"I think we need to be very, very careful when we teach gender ideology and issues around gender identity in schools," said Mr Hunt.

"I am worried about some dangerous consequences of young people being exposed to that theory, particularly when it's taught as fact."

He said he thought support should be available on an individual basis for young people unsure about gender identity, but that "controversial theories" should not be taught to an entire class.

He first shared his opinion on Monday on X and said he was contacted by several parents of pupils at the school.

The school said the "toolkit" had been the result of an "extensive consultation" with experts and its own students.

Meanwhile, it wrote to parents, stating that Mr Hunt's comments online were made "without checking the context of our work".

Head teacher Rowena Mackie added: "Our relationships and sex education (RSE) and personal, social, health and economic education (PSHEE) curriculums have been planned and audited following clear national guidelines set out by the Department for Education (DfE)."

The lessons "are inclusive of all protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010) and reflect the British values, anti-discriminatory ethos and equalities duties expected of every school," she said

In a statement, Miss Mackie said: "I am proud of our school for the way we promote open and honest conversations with our students on equality, diversity and inclusion.

"These are student-led conversations and within the proper guidelines and standards that we always adhere to. I would not accept it being any other way.

"I have invited Mr Hunt to meet with me to fully understand the situation. I rather hoped he would have done this before voicing his concern on X, but we are where we are."

Mr Hunt said he would meet Miss Mackie and raise his concerns with education and equalities ministers.

A DfE spokesperson said: "We've been repeatedly clear about the importance of biological sex and that contested views should not be taught as fact.

"Schools should prioritise the safeguarding and wellbeing of all children and always involve parents in decisions relating to their child.

"Following reports of inappropriate materials being used to teach relationships and sex education, the government has already brought forward an urgent review of the curriculum and is looking at introducing age ratings to make sure teaching materials are appropriate."

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan recently said parents had a right to view sex education material that was being taught.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830