Everyone working with children and young people has a role to play in keeping them safe.
LGBTQ+ children and young people face many of the same safeguarding risks as their peers, but they can also experience additional risks linked to their sexuality or gender identity. These can include bullying, discrimination, family rejection, abuse, exploitation, isolation or concerns about being open about who they are.
This page brings together useful information and guidance for schools, colleges and other professionals working with LGBTQ+ children and young people.
We will continue to develop this resource and add further information, guidance and practical support.
Safeguarding should be child-centred
At Brunswick, our priority is the safety, wellbeing and dignity of LGBTQ+ children and young people.
Good safeguarding starts with listening to the individual child or young person, understanding their circumstances and taking their views, wishes and needs seriously.
Professionals should always follow their organisation’s safeguarding procedures and consider each young person’s individual circumstances rather than making assumptions based on their sexuality or gender identity.
LGBTQ+ children and young people should feel able to speak to trusted adults and ask for help when they need it.
Gender identity and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 (KCSIE) came into force in England on 1 September 2026. It sets out the legal duties that schools and colleges must follow to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
The 2026 guidance includes specific information relating to children who are questioning their gender, alongside areas such as social transition, single-sex spaces and sport.
Brunswick welcomes the continued emphasis on child-centred safeguarding. We do, however, have concerns about some aspects of the guidance relating to gender identity, social transition and parental involvement.
These are complex and sensitive issues. We believe they need to be considered carefully in the context of each individual young person, their circumstances and their safeguarding needs.
Supportive family involvement can be hugely beneficial. At the same time, professionals need to consider individual circumstances and any potential safeguarding risks when deciding what information should be shared and with whom.
Safeguarding is about sexuality too
It is important that safeguarding conversations about LGBTQ+ young people do not focus only on gender identity.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and young people who are questioning their sexuality may also experience additional pressures and safeguarding risks.
A young person may be open about their sexuality in one part of their life but not another. They may be worried about bullying, rejection, abuse or how family members and others may respond.
NSPCC guidance highlights that sharing information about a young person’s sexuality or gender identity can, in some circumstances, increase risk or damage trust. It advises professionals to consider what information is relevant and proportionate and to explain to the young person when information needs to be shared.
Information about a young person’s sexuality or gender identity should therefore always be handled carefully and in line with appropriate safeguarding and information-sharing procedures.
Some useful principles
When supporting an LGBTQ+ child or young person:
Listen to them - Give them time and space to explain what is happening and what they need.
Take their concerns seriously - Avoid assumptions about their identity, experiences or family circumstances.
Consider the individual circumstances - Think about any risks linked to action you may take or information you may share.
Follow safeguarding procedures - Speak to your Designated Safeguarding Lead or appropriate safeguarding lead where necessary.
Be clear about confidentiality - Explain what information may need to be shared, with whom and why.
Challenge bullying and discrimination - Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying should be recognised and addressed.
Build trust - Young people are more likely to ask for help when they feel listened to, respected and supported.
A young person’s sexuality, gender identity or questioning of either should not in itself be treated as evidence that they are at risk of harm. Safeguarding decisions should focus on the individual child or young person and any risks that have actually been identified.
Fine out more useful principles on on 'Working with LGBTQ+ Young People' free learning course.
Useful guidance and resources
We have provided a range of useful links to additional information and helpful resources. We will continue to add to this list.
NSPCC: Safeguarding LGBTQ+ children and young people
This is a useful starting point for anyone working with LGBTQ+ children and young people.
It covers sexuality and gender identity, disclosure, information sharing, bullying, family relationships and additional safeguarding risks.
GIRES: Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026
GIRES has produced practical guidance looking specifically at KCSIE 2026 and how schools can support trans+, non-binary and gender-questioning pupils.
It covers areas including social transition, bullying, toilets and changing facilities, sport, school trips, uniform and wider school life.
Stonewall: Supporting LGBTQ+ children and young people
Stonewall provides practical resources for schools and colleges covering LGBTQ+ inclusion, safeguarding, bullying and creating environments where young people can thrive.
The introductory guide is designed specifically for people working with children and young people in education.
Galop: Children and young people
Galop provides specialist support for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13 to 25 who are experiencing, or are worried about, abuse.
This can include abuse from family members, friends, partners, other young people or adults, as well as concerns about homelessness.
The Proud Trust
The Proud Trust provides support, training and resources for professionals working with LGBTQ+ young people, particularly in education and youth settings.
Its resources for trusted adults can also be useful for teachers, youth workers, parents, carers and others supporting an LGBTQ+ young person.
More information coming soon
This is an evolving area of guidance and practice.
Brunswick is reviewing the implications of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 and will continue to develop this page with further practical information and resources for schools, colleges and other professionals.
We will also continue to support professionals, young people and families across Kirklees and Calderdale to help ensure LGBTQ+ children and young people are listened to, treated with dignity and protected from harm.
If you have an immediate safeguarding concern about a child or young person, always follow your organisation’s safeguarding procedures.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Find out more about yOUTh
Our yOUTh services provide support for LGBTQ+ young people across Kirklees and Calderdale, alongside advice and guidance for families and professionals.
You can find out more about the support available, how to make a referral and upcoming training opportunities for people working with LGBTQ+ children and young people.
