I know that many constituents have concerns about transgender guidance for schools.

The number of children and young people questioning their gender has become a growing challenge for parents, teachers, and schools. Ten years ago, just 200 children each year were being seen by NHS gender identity services, but by last year that had risen to over 3,000 - with the actual number of children and young people experiencing gender distress expected to be much higher.

This is a complex and sensitive subject for schools to navigate. Guidance is being developed to support schools both in relation to transgender pupils and those who are questioning their gender. This guidance has always been about safety for children.

The Education Secretary has been working closely with the Minister for Women and Equalities, Dr Hillary Cass and others, and it is clear that more information is needed on the issue, particularly around the long-term implications of social transition.

That is why the Government is eager not to rush and needs to make sure this guidance meets the high expectations that teachers and parents will rightly have for it. The Government is working to provide absolute clarity for schools and colleges and reassurance for parents. However, I would like to reassure you that the Government is working to publish the guidance as soon as possible.

For now, schools and colleges should always involve parents in matters relating to their child and should not agree to any changes that they are not absolutely confident are in the best interests of children, unless there is a clear risk of harm in doing so. Safeguarding should always remain a priority for schools, and they have a legal duty to protect single-sex toilet spaces and maintain safety in single-sex sports.