Relationships and Sex Education
Parent Consultation ending on 16th October 2020
As part of your child’s educational experience at Nettlesworth Primary School, we promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive taught programme of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education that gives children and young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live healthy, safe, happy and fulfilled lives, both now and in the future.
As you may already be aware, the Department for Education has announced changes to relationships and sex education following nationwide consultation. These changes have come into effect from September 2020 but full implementation in schools has been delayed due to the current covid19 situation. All schools will be required to comply with the updated requirements by the summer term 2021. The statutory guidance can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education
The new guidance focuses on healthy relationships and keeping children safe in the modern world. It also covers a wide range of topics relating to physical and mental health, wellbeing, safeguarding and healthy relationships.
Learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up will give children and young people the information, skills and positive values to have safe, fulfilling relationships and help them take responsibility for their own well-being.
From September 2020, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), along with Health Education, will be statutory, and form part of the National Curriculum.
In preparation we have been reviewing our RSE curriculum and policy so we can be sure our RSE provision is appropriate for our pupils based on their:
- Age
- Physical and emotional maturity
- Religious and cultural backgrounds
- Special educational needs and disabilities
As part of our curriculum review we would welcome your views, via email : d.lee103@durhamlearning.net , on:
- Our draft policy for Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
- When and how certain content within this subject is covered.
What is taught, and how, is ultimately a decision for the school and consultation does not provide a parental veto on curriculum content as schools are legally required to teach the National Curriculum. The right to withdraw children from some lessons is explained in the policy.
As a school community, we are currently in unprecedented times which make it a little more challenging to consult with you. In order to help you to understand the curriculum requirements, we have added further DfE guidance and also our draft Policy for Relationships and Sex Education on the School website. Please read them first before sending emails.
