The Education Secretary has sparked fresh fears that much-needed transgender advice for schools will not go far enough.
Gillian Keegan stressed that the overdue guidance to help teachers deal with children who are questioning their gender identity will only be 'non-statutory' rather than enshrined in law.
She also declined to say whether she wanted pupils to be prevented from identifying as the opposite sex in classes.
Her comments come even though the Government is considering changing the law to stop schools allowing 'social transitioning' - where pupils change their names, pronouns and uniforms - in a move that delayed publication of the policy last month.
It will raise fresh concerns among campaigners that the guidance will not be as far-reaching as had been hoped.
Mrs Keegan was asked on LBC radio yesterday morning if it would be published in September as the new academic year starts and replied: 'We haven't put a date on it because we did say that we want to take a little bit of extra time to consult with a few more stakeholders. It's very important that we get it right, but we are hoping to get it out as soon as possible.'
Asked why it was taking so long, she said it was a 'very sensitive area and there's lots of very different views' but acknowledged: 'There's another aspect which is the legal aspect. There's a whole different mix of legislation which we need to take into account.'
And asked if she was in favour of trying to stop students being able to 'self-identify' in schools, she said: 'What I think is really important is first of all that we really do look at children and treat them with the right support and compassion that they deserve.'
