SUMMER TERM 2018DOCUMENT A : FOR ACTION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT:

Planning for Statutory Relationships and Sex Education

1 Aim of the report

To provide an update on the current situation regarding the statutory status of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) following the Children and Social Work Act 2017.

2 Main Points

  • Although the rate of under 18 conceptions (teenage pregnancy) in Barnsley has reduced in recent years, it remains the highest in Yorkshire and Humber. High quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education is a key factor in reducing this rate further. Whilst we know that many schools are already teaching RSE and in some cases doing so very well, it is important that we ensure universal coverage for all pupils and improved quality.
  • The Children and Social Work Act 2017 introduced new legislation on relationships and sex education in schools.

­ Chapter 4, Section 34 introduces statutory ‘relationships and sex education’ across all secondary schools, including academies and independent schools; and statutory ‘relationships education’ across all primary schools.

­ Chapter 4, Section 35 gives the government the right to introduce statutory PSHE at a later date without passing new legislation.

  • A Department for Education Policy Statement sets out in a little more detail the purpose of the legislation and process for implementing it –
  • The Education Secretary, Justine Greening, announced on 19 December 2017, an eight week 'call for evidence' inviting views of teachers, parents and young people to help shape first updating of relationships and sex education guidance since 2000. This closed on 12th February 2018. Regulations and final draft guidance will be presented in Parliament, and final statutory guidance will be published – expected by September 2018.
  • Schools will be expected to deliver ‘RSE’ in secondary schools and ‘relationships education' in Primary schools in the academic year 2019/2020. It is hoped that statutory guidance will be accompanied by a comprehensive and well-funded package of support for schools.
  • In the meantime, the principles of good quality RSE are that it:

1. Is an identifiable part of a PSHE education curriculum, with planned, timetabled lessons across all the Key Stages

2. Is taught by staff regularly trained in RSE and PSHE (with expert visitors where appropriate)

3. Works in partnership with parents and carers, informing them about what their children will be learning and how they can contribute at home

4. Delivers lessons where pupils feel safe, using a variety of teaching approaches to enable them to take part

5. Is based on reliable sources of information, including about the law and legal rights, distinguishing between fact and opinion

6. Promotes safe, equal, caring and enjoyable relationships and discusses real age-appropriate issues such as friendships, families, consent, relationship abuse, sexual exploitation and safe relationships online

7. Gives a positive view of human sexuality, with honest and medically accurate information, so that pupils can learn about their bodies and sexual and reproductive health in ways that are appropriate to their age and maturity

8. Gives pupils opportunities to reflect on values and influences that may shape their attitudes to relationships and sex, nurturing respect for different views

9. Includes learning about how to get help and information from a range of reliable sources

10. Fosters gender equality and LGBT+ equality and challenges all forms of discrimination in lessons and in every-day school life

11. Meets the needs of all pupils with their diverse experiences - including those with special educational needs and disabilities

12. Seeks pupils’ views about RSE so that teaching can be made relevant to their real lives and assessed and adapted as their needs change

  • The principles require that RSE gives a positive view of human sexuality, delivered by properly trained staff, working in partnership with parents. The subject must present reliable, medically-correct information relevant to all pupils, including those with disabilities, special educational needs and must foster LGBT+ equality and gender equality.
  • High quality, inclusive RSE is an essential safeguarding tool that can help pupils stay safe. Hence it is important that it begins in Primary School, delivered through a whole-school approach, in an age-appropriate way.

3 Recommendations

Schools are asked to consider whether the 12 principles of good quality RSE are embedded in their current curriculum.

In addition, schools are urged to start planning for statutory relationships and sex education as soon as possible; considering any barriers and training/support they may need.

There are frameworks, toolkits, and guidance for primary, secondary and special schools available, for example, through the Sex Education Forum, BMBC Public Health may also be able to provide support to schools. In addition, Barnsley Secondary Schools can access a free comprehensive RSE programme delivered by Spectrum Integrated Sexual Health Service (a Public Health commissioned service). Please use the contact details below if you would like further information.

Officer:Dr Amy Booth (Public Health Senior Practitioner)

Contact:01226 747464

Email: