What is it?
This guidance aims to support schools and other educational settings to develop and sustain effective pastoral care systems which can accommodate and develop the social, emotional, educational, physical and spiritual needs of all pupils within the school ethos.
In supporting a transgender young person, what is reasonable and proportionate in each setting will depend on the circumstances of each case and the overall context, including the needs of the young person concerned, the ethos of the school (EOTAS or youth service setting) and its financial resources.
Who is it for?
The Guidance applies to pre-schools, primary schools, post-primary and special schools, as well as other educational settings under the control of the Education Authority, including EA Youth Service and EOTAS centres.
The guidance is for governing bodies, school leaders, teachers (in particular pastoral care and safeguarding teams); support staff; EA Youth Service staff and staff working in EOTAS settings. While non-EA staff may find the guidance helpful, they should contact their own employing authority for further advice on specific issues.
Guidance
Members of staff or governors in schools who download and make use of any of the versions of the guidance documents may contact EA with any feedback regarding their experience of using the document(s). In particular, EA would welcome feedback from users regarding any gaps in the information provided.
EA will keep this guidance under continuous review in line with emerging best practice and/or legislative changes.