BIRD’S BUSHPRIMARY SCHOOL

POLICY FOR SEX AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION (SRE)

Date 08.03.15

Policy Statement

At Bird’s Bush the teaching of Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) is firmly rooted in the Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education framework (PSHCE), which aims to enable pupils to make informed choices as they develop into young adults by providing each child with appropriate skills, knowledge and understanding.

PSHCE helps to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding to lead confident, happy, independent lives and become active, informed, responsible citizens. (The National curriculum 2000)

SRE is delivered across all key stages at an age appropriate level, in whole class and small group situations, in either single or mixed gender groupings as appropriate. Although SRE is taught in context of a ‘loving and stable relationship’ it does not exclude any particular family situation.

Aims of SRE:

  • To support pupils in terms of confidence and self-esteem as they move from childhood to adulthood.
  • To promote lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development.
  • To help pupils to understand changes to their body as they grow up.
  • To prepare them as young adults to take responsibility for sex and emotional relationships.
  • To help them to make informed choices about future relationships.
  • To provide them with sufficient information to resist pressure and help them to develop a sense of self respect and personal rights.
  • To foster an understanding of the importance of stable and loving relationships, and of respect, love and care for others.
  • To understand the diversity of ‘family’ and respect the differences of individual situations.
  • To inform pupils about sex, sexuality and sexual health, in preparation for adult life.

School environment, relationships and ethos of the school

At Bird’s Bush we understand that SRE can be enhanced by a supportive school ethos, where all are valued and encouraged, positive relationships are seen as important and there is a safe and secure school environment, which is conducive to learning. We therefore place great value on the teaching of respect for othersand the development of personal responsibility.

School curriculum

Many aspects of SRE will be taught throughout the school as part of compulsory science lessons (see National Curriculum Programme of Study) and during otherPSHCE lessons, including those based on SEAL materials.

The main focus of Sex Education is placed in Y5 and Y6, preparing and supporting our oldest pupils with regard to the physical and emotional changes they may experience as they move to secondary school.

Pupils in Y5 and Y6 receive a series of talks on menstruation (Y5 girls only) and puberty (all Y6 pupils). These talks are given by designated staff members or the school nurse if the service is being offered. Parents are informed by letter prior to the sessions and have the right to withdraw children from this programme. Parents may also request a meeting with the PSHCE subject leader to discuss programme content or any other concerns before giving permission for their child to participate, if they so wish. Any child excluded by parental request from such lessons will be placed in a different classroom and supervised by another member of staff.

Provision for girl’s periods:

Although we encourage parents to ensure that their daughters are well equipped to cope with periods at school, we are aware that cycles can be very unpredictable, especially in the first few years.

All Y5 and Y6 girls are made aware of the availability of sanitary protection if it is required. This may be discreetly obtained from any Y5/6 class teacher or TA, if needed, by asking to ‘speak privately’. Girls are also encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns they may have with any member of the Upper Junior Staff.

Such personal matters are dealt with as sensitively and discreetlyas possible.

Disposal bins for sanitary protection are provided in the Girls’ Upper Juniors toilets.

Approaches to teaching and learning

It is essential that SRE is delivered in a safe, secure and supportive learning environment. We believe that the following elements are essential to ensure this:

  • The establishment of clear ground rules, understood by all, to promote open discussion and allow all children to feel safe and secure in their learning. These

will relate to confidentiality, the right to privacy and respect, and the setting of

agreedboundaries for discussion and behaviour.

  • The use of clear language that avoids misunderstandings, prejudice and assumptions about children and young peoples’ abilities, desires, background and experiences.
  • The ability to deal with unexpected questions, comments from pupils and sensitive issues.
  • The provision of a question box to allow children to ask questions indirectly if they feel more comfortable in so doing.
  • Teachers will be sensitive to the needs of all children, particularly where any social or child protection issues are known.

Responding to sensitive issues and supporting children/young people

There are clear guidelines for staff on confidentiality and handling sensitive and controversial issues and supporting young people.

At Bird’s Bush we actively support the protection of children against any form of exploitation and against pressurising or exploiting others.

As a general rule, a child’s confidentiality will be maintained by a member of staff. However, if this person believes the child to be at risk or in danger, they must follow the set procedures for any child protection issue.

It is essential that all staff are aware of the school's child protection policy. A copy of this is available from the school's designated teacher for child protection, Mrs S Barnes. Where an adult believes a child may be at risk, the designated teacher must be consulted before any further action is taken.

No adult should promise a child complete confidentially and this must be explained to the child before possible disclosures are made. All staff must consult with a senior leader immediately if they are unsure how to proceed if such a situation arises.

Working with Parents/Governors

Our school seeks to work in partnership with parents to provide effective SRE and support for children/young people. Parents need to know that the school’s SRE programme will complement and support their role as parents and that they can be actively involved in the determination of the school’s policy.

Parents are encouraged to be aware of our SRE programme and are able to see our SRE policy by contacting the school office or viewing it on the school website.

Governors have a role to play in agreeing policy and procedures.