Give nursery children lessons about same-sex relationships
Nurseries should teach toddlers about same-sex relationships and transgender lifestyles to reduce hate crime, say teachers.
The National Union of Teachers voted yesterday for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) matters to be taught to children aged two to four.
They want nursery teachers to deliver ‘age-appropriate content’ on the subject and to challenge homophobia and transphobia. However, critics say the subject would simply confuse toddlers.
The National Union of Teachers hopes the 'age-appropriate' lessons will help challenge homophobia and transphobia
It was revealed last month that primary schools are likely to be legally obliged to teach about same-sex couples as part of new compulsory relationships education. But the NUT believes the new law does not go far enough and wants children to be made aware of the issues at an even younger age.
They also want teenagers in secondary schools to be taught more about safe sex between gay and bisexual couples including how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
General secretary Kevin Courtney said it was important children get ‘well-balanced, age-appropriate information’ on relationships.
‘The alternative is many pupils being isolated, bullied or misinformed and, for many, there is an impact on health and wellbeing that can last well beyond school years,’ he told the union’s annual conference.
Primary schools are soon likely to be legally obliged to teach about same-sex couples
From 2019 all primary school pupils will learn about safe and healthy relationships as part of a new mandatory curriculum to prepare them for modern life. All secondary school pupils will also have compulsory sex education.
These classes will have to comply with the Equality Act, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation – so same-sex relationships will be included.
The content will be ‘age-appropriate’ and it is understood younger children will simply be taught about stranger danger and inappropriate contact with adults, as well as healthy relationships.
Nurseries are not obliged to teach sex and relationships education, but because the NUT has nursery school members yesterday’s motion could see them introducing it voluntarily.
General secretary Kevin Courtney (pictured) said it was important children get ‘well-balanced, age-appropriate information’ on relationships
The NUT also resolved to provide training to members on how to teach about LGBT matters and challenge discrimination. However Laura Perrins, co-editor of the Conservative Woman website, said: ‘Parents send their children to nursery to be cared for – not to be confused by this transgender nonsense pushed by a minority of activists who care nothing for the needs of young children.’
n Reforms to the GCSE grading system are sparking widespread confusion and leaving even teachers baffled, the NASUWT teaching union’s annual conference heard yesterday. Many are unable to explain the new grades – using nine down to one – to students despite their introduction for English and maths this summer.
One teacher said her school had not received any guidance on grade boundaries.