The NSPCC has come under scrutiny after removing wording from its safeguarding guidance that advised schools male teachers should not supervise girls in changing rooms. The child protection charity clarified its position following criticism that the alteration introduced uncertainty regarding supervision policies in educational settings.

Previously, the NSPCC’s guidance stated that “adults who are supervising children getting changed should be of the same gender as them.” This phrasing was removed amid concerns over the interpretation of the term “gender,” particularly in the context of recent legal and regulatory developments. Sources indicate the change was influenced by a Supreme Court ruling on biological sex and subsequent guidance from the UK’s rights watchdog, which complicated how schools might apply the term in practice.

The NSPCC emphasized that its position remains consistent: adults overseeing children during changing should be of the “same sex” as the children involved. The charity stressed its briefing does not support supervision of children by adults of the opposite sex during changing times.

The update to the guidance reflects the Department for Education’s new detailed advice for schools, which took effect on September 1. The NSPCC noted that government guidance on this sensitive issue is currently unclear, contributing to the need to revise its briefing. The charity confirmed that the updated document is still subject to review to ensure clarity and alignment with prevailing policies.

This development highlights ongoing challenges facing schools and safeguarding bodies as they navigate the complexities of gender identity, sex distinctions, and children’s welfare in educational environments.