AN Isle of Wight based Conservative campaigner has called on the Isle of Wight Council to look into the transgender and safeguarding policies of its schools.

Ian Wellby, who the County Press understands is seeking selection for the new East Wight parliamentary seat, has highlighted two main points of concern. 

He believes parents are being 'kept in the dark' and not informed by schools if their child expresses a desire to change gender.

And he says some schools are "promoting and presenting radical and unscientific beliefs as fact".

Mr Wellby has written to all Island maintained schools to ascertain their specific policies.

He found that a number do not necessarily inform parents if their child is expressing a desire to change gender, and he highlighted Cowes Enterprise College’s statement on its website that a child expressing a wish to transition gender would not “warrant” parental notification".

He has written to Cllr Debbie Andre, IW Council cabinet member for Children's Services, Education and Skills.

Ian said in his letter. “Many Island schools are employing highly controversial external agencies to deliver lessons on disputed gender ideology as fact.

"Most shockingly, it is the policy of many Island schools to not necessarily immediately inform parents if a child has expressed a wish to, or has begun, transitioning their gender.

"As a father of two young children, I passionately believe parents have a right to know about the materials being used to teach their children and to have the primary say in decisions being taken about their welfare.

"Having attended Island state schools myself, I know first-hand how the majority of Island teachers work tirelessly in the interests of pupils, but are let down by poor guidance and undue influence of overtly political external agencies promoting contested beliefs as facts."

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: "Island schools are committed to the well-being, protection and safety of all children and endeavour to provide a rich, balanced education which reflects our diverse and inclusive communities.

“Schools determine the content of their own policies and procedures, independently of the local authority.

"However, all schools are advised by the local authority to ensure their policies, procedures and curriculum content adhere to all relevant legislation such as Department for Education statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 (KCSiE) and Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education 2019 (RSHE).”

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