NEWS UPDATES

Take a look at what's been happening in the world of education and health and safety since our last issue...

Free Breakfast Clubs Launch at 750 Schools Amid Funding Concerns

Starting in late April, free breakfast clubs will open at 750 schools across England, giving thousands of families access to early morning childcare and meals. The initiative, set to begin on Tuesday, offers pupils half an hour of free care before the school day begins and is expected to run until July, ahead of a planned national expansion. While the move has been welcomed by many, teaching unions have voiced concerns that the current level of government funding may not be enough to sustain the scheme.

The programme, part of a broader effort to support working parents and tackle child poverty, was a key pledge in Labour’s election campaign. Since taking office, the government has increased funding for the initiative from £10 million to £30 million, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson describing the rollout as central to Labour’s “Plan for Change.” The Department for Education says the scheme will provide up to 95 extra hours of childcare per year for families and could save parents an estimated £450 annually.

Phillipson said the aim is to "break down barriers to opportunity" by making it easier and more affordable for parents to get to work while ensuring all children start the school day ready to learn.

However, school leaders have raised concerns that the financial support currently on offer won’t stretch far enough. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), welcomed the intent behind the programme but said many schools taking part in the trial are already warning that the funding falls short of actual costs.

The government has indicated that funding arrangements will be reviewed during the pilot, based on participation levels and school feedback. Under current plans, schools in the scheme will receive an initial payment to cover setup costs such as equipment and supplies. Ongoing funding will then be calculated based on attendance. For example, a school with around 50% pupil participation could receive up to £23,000 annually.

The NASUWT teaching union also acknowledged the potential benefits of the breakfast clubs, particularly in addressing child hunger and promoting pupil wellbeing. However, they cautioned that if funding issues are not resolved, schools may be forced to divert resources from other essential services, undermining the broader educational mission.

The Department for Education has promoted the scheme as a step forward in tackling child poverty and helping working families cope with rising childcare costs. Announcing the launch, the department described breakfast clubs as having a “key role” in the government’s efforts to “remove the stain of child poverty.”

The initial rollout will involve schools across the country, with Devon hosting the most (25), followed closely by Birmingham, England’s largest local authority, with 24 schools included in the trial. Both Scotland and Wales already operate similar breakfast programmes, though with regional variations.

The launch has also reignited political debate over childcare and welfare reforms. Shadow education minister Neil O'Brien criticised Labour for abandoning planned changes to child benefit and argued that the previous Conservative government had already supported over 2,000 schools through its own breakfast programme.

“Children and their families deserve better than headline-grabbing schemes with uncertain long-term funding,” he said. “We need sustainable, well-planned policies that truly support children’s welfare.”

Despite the political back-and-forth, the pilot is now in motion, with schools preparing to open their doors earlier each day and begin offering free meals to their youngest learners. Guidance sent to participating schools outlines how funding will work and encourages staff to monitor uptake and report feedback to inform the broader rollout.

For now, the success of the initiative may hinge on whether the trial period can demonstrate both high demand and sustainable implementation. School leaders, parents, and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see how the programme plays out—and whether promised adjustments to funding are made.

UK schools are facing a surge in misogynistic and racist behaviour among pupils, with teachers pointing to the influence of social media figures like Donald Trump and Andrew Tate as a major factor, according to a new survey by the NASUWT teachers' union.

Educators say that students—particularly boys—are mimicking controversial online personalities, adopting sexist, racist, and homophobic views, and directing hostility toward female staff members. One teacher reported 10-year-old boys refusing to speak to her because they believed women should be subordinate to men, citing Tate as their role model.

The NASUWT survey found that a majority of teachers now view social media as the primary driver of poor behaviour in schools. General Secretary Patrick Roach told the union’s annual conference on Friday that two-thirds of teachers cited social media as a “critical factor” behind bullying and classroom disruptions.

“Pupils feel entitled to use mobile phones throughout the school day—to interrupt lessons, to bully others, or to perform for social media clout,” Roach said. “We are witnessing what can only be described as a national emergency.”

Incidents described by teachers include boys barking at female staff, blocking doorways, and spouting hateful rhetoric they’ve picked up online. One teacher noted students parroting conspiracy theories and misinformation they consume on social media, undermining classroom authority and disrupting learning.

The union also highlighted growing tension between schools and parents, with teachers reporting increasing hostility from caregivers unwilling to acknowledge their children’s behavioural issues. Some parents have become aggressive during school meetings, delegates at the Liverpool conference heard.

Lindsay Hanger, a teacher from Norwich, argued that pressure on schools to hit attendance targets is leading to the toleration of unacceptable behaviour. “We need a clear strategy that ensures parents support behaviour policies—or face consequences,” she said.

In response to the escalating concerns, the Department for Education acknowledged the harmful impact of “dangerous online influencers” and pledged continued support for schools. A spokesperson said the government is reviewing the curriculum to better prepare students for a digital world and cited the new Online Safety Act as a step toward safeguarding children online.

But critics, including the Liberal Democrats, argue current measures don’t go far enough. “Toxic algorithms are pushing children toward harmful content that breeds real-world consequences,” said education spokesperson Munira Wilson. “We need stronger protections and more proactive engagement.”

The NASUWT conference passed a motion opposing “no exclusion” policies, which some schools adopt to reduce suspensions and expulsions. Delegates argued that such approaches risk normalising disruptive and harmful behaviour.

Teacher Stress Reaches Crisis Levels as NEU Weighs Strike Action

NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede described the findings as a wake-up call. “Teachers give everything to their pupils. But the toll this work culture takes on their wellbeing is immense,” he said.

Stress is having a devastating impact on teachers in England, with new research revealing that only 1.5% of school staff remain unaffected by the pressures of their job.

The study, conducted by the National Education Union (NEU), found that one in three state school teachers experience stress during at least 80% of their working hours. Almost none reported feeling consistently relaxed or under control at work.

The findings come as NEU members gather in Harrogate for their annual conference, where discussions about potential industrial action over pay and working conditions are expected to take center stage.

The research, based on responses from 14,000 teachers, paints a bleak picture of working life in England’s schools. Most said they are regularly forced to work evenings and weekends just to stay afloat, with one in three admitting they frequently cancel personal plans due to workload.

Even school holidays, long regarded as a perk of the profession, offer little relief. One-third of teachers said they always work during the break, while fewer than 10% are able to fully switch off.

“You feel exhausted all the time and guilty for sacrificing your own family time,” one teacher said. “It’s mentally draining and takes a toll on both your mental and physical health.”

Teachers Prepared to Challenge Labour Over Pay, Union Leader Warns

The head of the UK’s largest teaching union has warned that Labour MPs could face a “high political price” if the government fails to deliver a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise for teachers in England.

Addressing delegates on the final day of the National Education Union (NEU) conference in Harrogate, General Secretary Daniel Kebede said teachers “expect better from a Labour government” and are prepared to campaign in key Labour constituencies — and even take strike action — if demands are not met.

“We stand ready to act industrially,” Kebede declared. “No teacher wants to strike, but we will not hesitate if our profession continues to be undervalued and underfunded.”

In response, the union passed a motion to launch a formal strike ballot if the current offer remains unchanged or lacks additional funding support.

Kebede called the government’s approach a “betrayal” of education staff and warned Labour leaders that failure to act would have electoral consequences. “We will campaign in Labour constituencies, with parents and communities, across the country,” he said.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has condemned the threat of industrial action, saying it would be “indefensible” given ongoing efforts to improve school attendance and performance.

"Following a 5.5% pay rise last year, in an extremely challenging fiscal environment, I urge the NEU to put children first," Phillipson said.

But Kebede fired back at the conference, saying: “What’s truly indefensible is for a Labour government — a Labour government — to cut school funding after 14 years of Conservative austerity. We expected better.”

This is the latest development in an escalating row over teacher pay, with NEU members already having taken part in strikes earlier this year. In February, teachers rallied outside the Department for Education in London, waving green NEU flags and demanding improved salaries.

The union says a real-terms pay boost is essential to address the recruitment and retention crisis facing schools. Kebede argued the proposed increase falls short of what’s needed to correct a decade of pay erosion.

"We’re not just fighting for fair pay,” he said, “we’re fighting for the future of education."

Press Release: Sarah Newton Reappointed as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive.

The Department for Work and Pensions has reappointed Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board.

From: Department for Work and Pensions and The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP

The Department for Work and Pensions has reappointed Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board.

The reappointment will last for two years starting from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said:

I congratulate Sarah on her reappointment as HSE chair, and I look forward to continuing to work with her over the next few years.

As we overhaul our employment support system and give workers the skills and support they need to succeed in their careers, the role of HSE will be vital to ensure workplaces are safe environments for them to flourish in.

Additional Information

About Sarah Newton

• Sarah has 30 years’ experience of strategic planning, leadership and change management, dealing with complex issues across the business, voluntary and governmental sectors. She has considerable experience of building partnerships between diverse people and organisations to deliver shared aims. She has served on a wide range of boards and is currently Chair of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse.

• Between 2010 and 2019 she was an MP and served for 3 years as a Member of the Science and Technology Select Committee before becoming a Minister in the Home Office and latterly at the Department of Work and Pensions, where she had the honour of working with the HSE and leading the Health and Work unit. Amongst other responsibilities while at the Home Office she led work on tackling modern slavery, human trafficking and human exploitation.

• Before entering the House of Commons, she was Director of the International Longevity Centre – UK, Age Concern England and American Express Europe. She also served as a Councillor in the London Borough of Merton.

• Sarah was educated at Falmouth Comprehensive School and Kings College London. Sarah won a Rotary International postgraduate scholarship in the USA

• Sarah is married with 3 children

Faith School Chair Banned Over Staff Segregation and Education Failings

Zafar Iqbal Khan, the chair of a Luton-based faith school that segregated staff by gender and restricted girls from studying certain subjects, has been banned from managing schools in England.

The Department for Education (DfE) has disqualified Khan from holding any management role in independent schools, including academies and free schools, citing repeated failures to meet required standards at the Muslim Rabia Boys and Girls School.

Rabia School, which served both boys and girls, was first thrust into the spotlight in 2016 when former Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw accused it of "actively undermining" British values. Inspectors reported that male and female staff were separated during training sessions, and that female students were denied access to parts of the curriculum. In earlier visits, inspectors found girls restricted to subjects like knitting and sewing in design and technology classes.

Between 2014 and 2017, the school received seven ‘inadequate’ ratings—more than any other private school in the country at the time. Inspections highlighted a wide range of issues, from poor lesson planning and weak careers advice to insufficient support for students with special educational needs.

Despite consistent failings, Rabia resisted Ofsted’s conclusions, accusing the inspectorate of being “unfair” and carrying out an “agenda against faith schools.”

In 2018, the DfE barred the school from admitting new students. However, it continued operating as a secondary school. Luton Magistrates' Court later fined the school £8,000, and Khan personally received a £4,000 penalty.

The DfE’s disqualification order states Khan “failed to follow a direction given by the secretary of state and failed in his role to ensure that an independent school was managed in compliance with the independent school standards.” It added that Khan’s conduct made him “unsuitable” for school leadership.

The ban also prevents Khan from serving as a governor at any state-maintained school.

The case has reignited debate over standards in independent and faith-based schools. The National Secular Society, which advocates for the separation of religion and education, responded by calling for stricter accountability.

“It is unacceptable for a school leader to prioritise religious dogma over the education and welfare of children,” a spokesperson said. “Many other schools are failing to meet standards for similar reasons, and we urge the DfE to hold all non-compliant leaders accountable.”

Khan has not responded to requests for comment.

The government has proposed a 2.8% pay increase for teachers, to be funded by "efficiencies" within school budgets — a move the NEU says would effectively result in cuts to essential services.

Sarah Newton has led HSE since 2020, overseeing its important role in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of workers across Great Britain.

During her tenure, she has driven strategic improvements, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and championed HSE’s mission to protect people and places.

Teachers Sound Alarm on Rising Misogyny and Racism in UK Classrooms, Blame Social Media Influence

“It cannot be right that teachers are expected to sacrifice their home lives for a job that increasingly consumes every waking hour. Government figures themselves show workloads are out of control — and getting worse.”

Kebede pointed to chronic staffing shortages, unfilled vacancies, and a lack of support staff as key drivers of the crisis. Absences due to illness and burnout are further compounding the issue, with schools increasingly stretched to maintain even basic operations.

The NEU has rejected the government’s proposed 2.8% pay rise for 2025–26, arguing it falls well short of inflation and would need to be funded from existing school budgets. Union leaders insist that any pay award must be fully funded by the government to avoid cuts elsewhere.

A formal strike ballot is now under consideration. An earlier indicative vote saw 84% of NEU members support industrial action — though turnout stood at 47%, just below the 50% legal threshold required for strike action to proceed.

Kebede stressed that improving pay is not just about fairness but about survival for the profession: “We need a significant pay correction — not only to bring new people into teaching but to retain those already here. Ignoring this crisis is short-sighted and damaging.”

Government Unveils Proposed Overhaul of Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, has announced a suite of proposed amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), aiming to cut red tape, improve clarity, and reduce compliance costs. These high-level reforms are particularly relevant to company directors, small businesses, and rural landowners.

While the full legislative text is not expected until later this year, the key proposals include the follow

Key Proposed Reforms

1. Prioritising Critical Risks

The Government intends to sharpen the focus of the HSWA on managing critical risks—those that may result in death, serious injury, or illness—rather than encouraging broad, box-ticking compliance.

A major change will see small businesses in low-risk industries (SLRs) exempted from general HSWA duties. However, they will still be required to identify and manage critical risks specific to their operations.

2. Clarifying Regulatory Overlap

To reduce regulatory duplication, the proposed reforms will clarify where HSWA responsibilities intersect with other regulatory regimes that address the same risks. While detailed guidance is pending, the Government highlighted the current confusion between HSWA and the earthquake-prone buildings regime as an example of overlapping frameworks.

3. Exempting Landowners from Liability for Recreational Use

Landowners allowing recreational access to their property will no longer be held liable if individuals are injured during those activities. Liability will shift to the organisation facilitating the activity, where one exists. In cases of informal use—such as by walkers or anglers—there may be no accountable Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU).

Landowners will still be responsible for managing risks that arise from their own work activities.

4. Distinguishing Governance from Operational Management

The Government also intends to draw a clearer line between governance (which entails due diligence duties) and operational management (which does not). This responds to concerns that ambiguity in current law has led directors to unnecessarily duplicate the work of management instead of focusing on strategic oversight.

5. Safe Harbours for Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs)

The reforms seek to promote wider use of industry-led, ministerially approved ACOPs. These codes offer tailored, practical guidance and—under the proposed changes—compliance with an ACOP would be deemed compliance with HSWA.

This would empower industry groups to lead safety efforts in their sectors and create greater regulatory certainty for duty holders.

Supporting Staff Safety: Tackling Violence in Schools

Recent figures reported by the BBC have shed light on a concerning issue affecting schools across the South East: an increase in violent incidents involving staff and pupils.

Between 2019 and 2024, local councils paid out over £64,000 in compensation to school staff who were injured during incidents involving student aggression. These included teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff who were assaulted while performing their duties.

According to the Department for Education, suspensions for physical assaults on adults have risen by 35% across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex in the past year alone. During autumn term 2023/24, nearly 2,000 suspensions were recorded for this reason—up from 1,470 the previous year.

Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the NASUWT, warned that violence against school staff has increased since the pandemic, aligning with feedback from frontline members.

“These figures are just the tip of the iceberg. In many cases, serious assaults go underreported or aren’t dealt with effectively by schools,” he said.

The union is calling for schools to enforce behaviour policies consistently and ensure that robust sanctions are in place to deter aggression.

The rise in such incidents highlights a broader trend that many educators have observed since the pandemic: more dysregulated behaviour, increased emotional and mental health needs, and a growing demand on staff to manage complex situations.

Experts suggest that a combination of factors is contributing to the rise in challenging behaviour, including:

• Unmet special educational needs

• Increased mental health concerns

• Ongoing impact of the pandemic on young people

Education consultant and former headteacher Marie Gentles noted: "We need to be more preventative than reactive, understanding what’s behind the behaviour instead of just managing it after the fact."

In response to these challenges, local authorities are putting measures in place:

• Mentoring and support for at-risk pupils

• Behaviour policy reviews

• Targeted funding to reduce exclusions

• Enhanced training and mental health provision

The Department for Education also confirmed plans to increase access to specialist mental health professionals in every school, as part of its broader commitment to improving pupil wellbeing and school safety.

A DfE spokesperson stated:

“No one should face abuse or violence at work—especially our dedicated school staff. We are investing in mental health support and rolling out regional improvement teams to help schools uphold the highest standards of behaviour.”

E-Bike Battery Fire Claims Lives of Young Couple in Coventry

A grieving sister is raising urgent safety concerns after a devastating e-bike battery fire claimed the life of her 27-year-old sibling in Coventry.

Natasha Johnson-Mall and her partner, 24-year-old Karlo Bogdan, died in a house fire last November, caused by a lithium-ion battery fitted to an e-bike. The battery, which Karlo had installed using a home conversion kit, ignited overnight while charging in the hallway of their home.

An inquest in February ruled the deaths as accidental. However, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has issued a stark warning about the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires, which have surged by 50% over the past two years.

Fire investigators concluded that the battery had been subject to a product recall prior to its purchase. "The battery ignited and rapidly escalated into an intense blaze," said fire investigation officer Annette Carrington. "It’s obvious the risk was unknown to Karlo."

Ms Carrington urged people not to underestimate the dangers. “Imagine 70 or 80 fireworks going off at once,” she said. “I would never advise anyone to carry out their own e-bike battery conversions. Is a life worth the risk? I would say no.”

Following her sister’s death, Ehsia Johnson-Mall is campaigning to raise public awareness of the hazards linked to unregulated battery replacements and home conversions.

“When you realise something is wrong with your bike, it may already be too late,” Ms Johnson-Mall said. “These fires develop so fast, you don’t stand a chance.”

She believes the fatal fire occurred the first night the bike was left charging indoors. “I know Karlo would be devastated,” she added. “To know that something he owned caused this—it’s heartbreaking.”

A memorial bench now stands outside the couple’s home, a symbol of remembrance and a call to action. “The fact we have to sit on a bench with her name instead of with her on a garden bench—it’s unfair beyond belief,” said Ms Johnson-Mall.

Nationally, at least 15 people have died in incidents linked to e-bike battery fires, prompting renewed calls for tighter regulation and increased public education.

Paddleboard Company Owner Jailed Over Fatal River Tragedy

A former paddleboarding company owner has been jailed for 10 years and six months after four people died during a guided tour on a flooded river in south-west Wales.

Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, from Port Talbot, pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter following the deaths of Paul O'Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, and Nicola Wheatley on the Western Cleddau river in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in October 2021.

Lloyd, a former police officer and RNLI volunteer, led the group through “extremely hazardous conditions” despite being unqualified to do so. Swansea Crown Court heard she showed a “blatant disregard for a very high risk of death.”

Judge Mrs Justice Mary Stacey condemned Lloyd’s “abysmal” approach to health and safety and said her decision to lead the group over the weir was made with full knowledge of the risks

CCTV and bodycam footage presented during the trial showed Lloyd approaching the weir with arms raised in what the judge described as a “joyful, confident, triumphant” manner, giving the impression the descent was intentional.

The court heard that ankle leashes—unsuitable for fast-flowing water—hindered attempts to escape the turbulent flow. Some participants wore no wetsuits, and one had declined to wear a life jacket. Lloyd had not collected next-of-kin information before the outing.

Lloyd, who was dismissed from South Wales Police in 2021 for an unrelated matter, accepted full responsibility through her legal counsel. The judge acknowledged Lloyd was "horrified" by the outcome, but said her actions reflected a greater concern for “excitement” than safety.

The Crown Prosecution Service and Health and Safety Executive said the tragedy was “completely avoidable.” Prosecutor Lisa Rose said Lloyd’s lack of qualifications and planning led directly to the deaths, while HSE inspector Helen Turner described her conduct as “incompetent, careless and complacent.”

Detective Superintendent Cameron Ritchie of Dyfed-Powys Police said the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safety in outdoor adventure activities.

Parent Company of Pontins Faces Corporate Manslaughter Charge After Grandmother’s Death in Ceiling Collapse

The parent company of Pontins holiday parks, Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd, has been charged with corporate manslaughter following the death of a 68-year-old woman injured in a ceiling collapse at one of its resorts.

Wendy Jones was among several guests injured when a 40-metre section of air conditioning ducting and ceiling gave way at the "Fun Factory" entertainment hall at Pontins Brean Sands in Somerset on 20 February 2019. Around 100 people had gathered inside the venue, many preparing to play bingo, when the structure crashed into the crowd, exposing live electrics. Eighteen people were injured, six seriously enough to require hospitalisation, including Jones, who died from her injuries on 4 August that year.

The Crown Prosecution Service has also charged contractor Stephen Bennison, 58, with failing to discharge a general health and safety duty under section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Both Bennison and Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd are due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 6 May.

The long-running investigation, led by Avon and Somerset Police with support from Somerset Council, concluded after a referral last year. Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey expressed condolences to the Jones family and urged the public to refrain from speculation that could prejudice legal proceedings.

“This has been a complex investigation, and we’re grateful for the support of Somerset Council and our other partners to reach this stage,” Doxsey said.

The incident prompted scrutiny of safety practices at the Brean Sands site. According to a BBC News report, a former general manager had warned head office of the risk of a ceiling collapse due to concerns over sound insulation installed in response to noise complaints from neighbours. He had reportedly requested a structural assessment.

In response, the company said an independent assessment had been conducted in January 2016 by a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors-registered surveyor, who made several recommendations.

Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd disputes the former manager’s version of events. In a statement, the company attributed the collapse to the failure of internal fixings "installed years before we bought the site", claiming these were not visible during routine inspections. The firm also said regular maintenance checks had not raised any issues.

The sound insulation at the centre of the dispute was reportedly fitted in 2015 by a specialist contractor with prior experience at the resort.

Judge Rules Scottish Schools Must Provide Single-Sex Toilets Following Parental Legal Challenge

A judge has ruled that Scottish schools must provide separate toilets for boys and girls, following a legal challenge brought by parents against Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

The case centred on the newly built Earlston Primary School, where only gender-neutral toilets had been installed. Parents Sean Stratford and Leigh Hurley, whose son previously attended the school, raised concerns with the council over the lack of single-sex facilities — but their complaint was initially dismissed.

However, in a ruling at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, SBC conceded it had a legal duty to provide both male and female toilets under existing regulations.

The decision comes just a week after a landmark UK Supreme Court ruling confirmed that, under equalities law, the definition of “woman” refers to biological sex. Legal experts say both rulings are likely to have far-reaching implications for school policy and public services.

Rosie Walker, a partner at law firm Gilson Gray, which represented the parents, said the court’s decision underscores the importance of protecting sex-based rights. “All schools in Scotland will now have to urgently review whether half of their toilets are designated for boys and half for girls, as required by law,” she said, referring to the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967.

BBC Scotland News understands that most Scottish schools already provide single-sex toilet facilities, but the ruling may prompt reviews across the education sector.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said the authority had accepted the legal position before the hearing and had not sought to challenge it in court. “SBC will revisit and reconsider the complaint and respond in due course,” they added.

The Scottish government, which is responsible for school guidance but not day-to-day management of school buildings, said it is now reviewing the implications of both the Court of Session ruling and last week’s Supreme Court judgment.

A spokesperson said: “Local authorities have statutory responsibility for the school estate, including provision of toilets. The Scottish government is committed to ensuring our Transgender Guidance for Schools remains up to date and fit for purpose.”

Ministers are expected to meet with the Equality and Human Rights Commission on Thursday ahead of the publication of new guidance related to toilet provision and sex-based rights.