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Top FAQs

#1 What is relationships and sex education?

Relationships and sex education (RSE) is learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. It should equip children and young people with the information, skills and posi…

#2 What does the law say about teaching RSE?

The Children and Social Work Act 2017 introduces new legislation on relationships and sex education in schools. In July 2018 the Government set out plans for implementaion encouring schools that are ready to start teaching the new curriculum from S…

#3 What should be included in our school RSE policy?

Government guidance on SRE published in 2000, states that all schools must have an up-to-date policy that is made available for inspection and to parents and that pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community be involved in developing and revie…

#4 What type of schools does the new legislation apply to?

The Children and Social Work Act 2017 introduces new legislation on relationships and sex education in all schools in England. The new legislation makes relationships and sex education (RSE) a compuslory requirement for all secondary schools in…

#5 What is the right age to start teaching RSE?

Children are interested in 'where babies comes from' and what makes boys and girls different from a very young age. So don't worry - it is natural for children to be curious and ask these questions. Children take in the information around them a…

#6 Can you recommend good RSE resources?

There are a range of relationships and sex education resources produced by voluntary sector organisations, local authorities and commercial companies. The Sex Education Forum does not recommend specific resources but instead encourages each scho…

#7 How can we make sure that young people in my school get confidential advice and support?

It is important that young people can get confidential one-to-one support as well as having opportunities to learn about sex and relationships with their peer group. The classroom is a public place, where it is not appropriate to talk about priv…

#8 Can parents withdraw their children from school RSE?

The new legislation brought in through the Chidlren and Social Work Act 2017 will bring about some important changes in relation to parental rights to withdraw children from school RSE: Parents will not be able to withdraw their child from re…

#9 How do I know if a speaker or trainer is reputable?

Young people tell us that their teachers often don't know enough to teach relationships and sex education (RSE) well. It is important that teachers of RSE are well trained for the job, and that schools do not rely on external visitors as a substitu…

#10 How do we tackle homophobia in our schools?

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia like any form of discrimination, should be tackled though a whole school approach. Schools should provide a safe environment for all pupils regardless of sexual orientation. Personal, Social and Health Educa…

#11 How will schools know what to teach in RSE?

The new legislation places RSE and relationships education in the basic school curriculum. This allows schools flexibility in developing their programme as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. RSE will not be a National Curriculum subject so…

FAQs on RSE for Parliamentarians - July 2018

In anticipation of new Government guidance on RSE the Sex Education Forum has produced a briefing which aims to sweep away some common misconceptions about RSE. We hope that this will be helpful for MPs and other Parliamentarians. The briefing a…

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Dr Mary Bousted

Dr Mary Bousted

Joint General Secretary, NEU

Statutory RSE: What can we be certain about?

Statutory RSE: What can we be certain about?

News4 October 2018

30 November 2018 - conference agenda released!

30 November 2018 - conference agenda released!

News18 September 2018

Gender Matters: Gender identity, gender equality and trans-inclusion in schools - London

Level: Primary and Secondary An increasing number of schools are now supporting trans or gender questioning students and their families. Ensuring…

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