From September 2020, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) became compulsory in all primary schools and parents/carers do not have the right to withdraw their children from this subject. We believe that this work is an important part of safeguarding children as knowledge empowers them; helps them to stay safe and cope with puberty by understanding why their bodies will change. However, there are some elements of your child’s education that do you have the right to withdraw from. Parents do have the right to withdraw their child (following discussion with the school) from any aspects of Sex Education.
Children in Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6 will be covering sex education as part of their RSE/PSHE curriculum. This is taught in an age appropriate manner, and if you have concerns, we invite you to come into school for further support/guidance on the resources we use to teach these sessions. Below is just a small list of some of the concepts your child will be learning during RSE. These are:
If you do wish to withdraw your child, then please sign the withdrawal form at the end of this document. Please note, that withdrawal requests can only be approved by the Head Teacher.
Why is this RSE and PSHE curriculum needed?
The following bullet points highlight the importance of RSE and PSHE in primary schools.
-More than ever before, children are exposed to representations of sex and sexuality through the social culture around them. The unregulated content on the internet or social media, can mean children may be exposed to dangerous, confusing or scary content. We can prepare them for this by presenting a balanced view of positive healthy relationships to help them to be discerning and to stay safe.
-There is lots of independent research showing most parents and carers value the support of schools in providing Relationship and Sex Education for their children. Parents and schools want children to be safe and happy.
-A range of independent research consistently shows that effective Relationship Education delays first sexual experience and reduces risk-taking in young people.
-Surveys of children and young people, as well as Ofsted, have repeatedly said that Relationship and Sex Education tends to be “too little, too late and too biological”. This is one of the many reasons why the Department for Education has made Relationships and Health Education compulsory in primary schools from September 2020, with an emphasis on Relationships Education.
What does the RSE and PSHE curriculum look like at The Drive Primary School?
Below, I have included an overview of our RSE and PSHE curriculum. Further information is on our website, under ‘PSHE and RSE curriculum’.
All children (Year 1-6) will cover the following units over the course of an academic year. These topics are:
PSHE and RSE education is taught throughout the school in every year group and is monitored and reviewed regularly by the staff and Governing Body. All RSE and PSHE teaching takes place will take place in a safe learning environment and is underpinned by our school ethos and values.
If you require more information, I urge you to explore the following websites, which explains more about RSE and PSHE in Primary Schools.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-sex-and-health-education-guides-for-schools