Particularly notable in my mind is an observation that schools should balance the interests of the child against the broader interests of the school, which makes me wonder what detriment to the school could they possibly have in mind - offending the transphobic? Only rarely should schools accede to a child's request to change name/pronoun. Traditional categories of girls and boys should be firmly adhered to.
Which was my immediate reaction listening to reports on the radio.Stonewall, the LBGT+ charity, compared the guidance to the “chilling effect” caused by the 1988 section 28 regulation that banned schools discussing homosexuality.
In referencing social media influence, it seems to be giving credence to the controversial and very weakly supported ROGD theory. Given the Tavistock clinic was criticised for giving experimental treatments, this seems to be doing just what they were criticised for doing.
It's only a consultation at the moment, and is going to get strong criticism. In the best interpretation, they are playing to the gallery, and something a bit more balanced will come out of it. But they seem to revel in being the Nasty Party these days. But it's no surprise that the even further right wing of the Tories, such as Braverman, snipes that it doesn't go far enough, because of limitations due to the law, so some seriously illiberal new primary legislation should be brought forward. Curiously similar to something else.