London: Ten-year-old children are being asked by the British National Health Service (NHS) whether they are "comfortable with their gender" in official health surveys being completed in schools, it has emerged.

The form given to children in year six asks: "Do you feel the same inside as the gender you were born with? (feeling male or female)."

Transgender girls Selenna, right, and Genesis who poses inside a Mona Lisa painting, play during celebrations marking Transgender Children's Day in Santiago, Chile, last year. Credit:AP

Youngsters are also asked to tick a box to confirm their true gender, with options of "boy", "girl" and "other".

Parents have been told that the NHS survey helps healthcare workers and teachers develop "better ways to understand and support" children who may be struggling with their identity, but it is not known whether individual children will be approached for further support based on their answers.