GENDER neutral toilets could soon be installed in every school in the county in line with new guidance.

Schools in East Sussex are to be told that they should have “toilets for everyone” under new 'gender neutral' advice issued in Brighton and Hove’s Trans Inclusion Toolkit.

Under the new guidance it is stated that educational settings “should provide pupils and students with a mixture of access to toilets”.

It suggests this should include “blocks of ceiling cubicle toilets that can be used by all, with bins for menstrual products in each cubicle (‘toilets for everyone’)”.

A consultation with trans children and young people prior to the guidance being published found that many will choose gender-neutral toilets for “fear of bullying or harassment”.

Single sex toilets can also cause issues for children and young people who do not identify with the gender binary of boy or girl, according to the feedback.

The toolkit, which is backed by Brighton and Hove City Council, also includes guidance on issues such as mixed sports, the use of gendered language and the right for pupils to dress in either male or female uniform.

Councillors will discuss the toolkit, which is an update of the 2018 version, at the next Children, Young People & Skills committee on June 14.

Councillor Hannah Clare, chairwoman of the Children, Young People and Skills Committee, said: “This is an important element of work to ensure all pupils in our city’s schools feel safe and supported.

“Supporting trans children is just one vital part of continued efforts to tackle any form of discrimination.

“We want all pupils to feel comfortable in their own skin so they can make the most of all that education offers and flourish into being the very best version of themselves.

“Many of our schools are already working to ensure that their environment and curriculum celebrates all children and their families.

“This Toolkit provides guidance on how to ensure trans members of the community feel equally welcome, represented and safe in our city.”

The toolkit attempts to explain the difference between biological sex and gender identity.

It says biological sex refers to chromosomes, genitalia and hormones which make up a person’s physical anatomy.

Gender identity concerns how a person feels and chooses to express themself. Schools are being told to rethink views and practices on gender which have been accepted as “standard” for a long time.

The kit was originally produced in 2013 to support children and young people whose gender identity did not align with their gender registered at birth.

A joint Notice of Motion about trans inclusion was agreed by Brighton and Hove’s Green, Labour and Conservative groups at a full council meeting in January 2021.