A consultation on what should be taught in Relationships and Sex Education in English schools has been published by the Department for Education (DfE). Following legislation earlier this year, all primary schools in England will have to teach Relationships Education to their pupils from September 2019, and all secondary schools must teach Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Humanists UK, which helped lead the campaign for statutory RSE, has welcomed the Government’s consultation and stressed the importance of placing the rights and wellbeing of children at the centre of the new guidance.
Noting that the current guidance on RSE has not been updated since 2000, the DfE is seeking the views of parents, teachers, and young people to help shape new guidance. The eight-week call for evidence invites views on the inclusion of LGBT issues, information about staying safe online, and content on mental health and wellbeing. Launching the consultation, Secretary of State of Education Justine Greening commented:
‘It is unacceptable that Relationships and Sex Education guidance has not been updated for almost 20 years especially given the online risks, such as sexting and cyber bullying, our children and young people face. Young people must have an education that teaches them the importance of healthy and stable relationships.
‘This call for evidence is about giving teachers, parents and especially young people a chance to help shape that new approach and I’d urge them to take part.’
In line with previous statements made by the Government, the consultation document states that ‘schools will also have flexibility over how they teach these subjects so that they can ensure their approach is sensitive to the needs of their pupils and, in the case of faith schools, in accordance with the tenets of their faith.’ Given this, there is serious concern among civil society groups, parents, and young people that some faith schools will seek to opt out of teaching LGBT-inclusive RSE and Relationships Education, or of providing comprehensive information regarding safe sex.
Humanists UK Education Campaigner Jay Harman, who is also a member of the Sex Education Forum’s advisory group, commented, ‘Children have a right to access evidence-based, medically accurate, and individually relevant information about sex and relationships. Given that this information helps to keep children healthier, happier, and safer than they otherwise would be, it would be unconscionable if they could be denied it simply on the basis of their religious or non-religious background, or the type of school to which they happen to have been sent.
‘This is especially true given the evidence that LGBT pupils of faith are more likely to have tried to take their own life, and LGBT pupils in faith schools are less likely to say that staff challenge homophobic and transphobic language when they hear it.
‘Whether or not children have a right to this information, all the evidence suggests that high-quality RSE leads to the best outcomes in terms of improving sexual health, reducing unwanted pregnancy, challenging gender stereotypes, educating about consent, protecting children from abuse, and tackling homophobic and transphobic bullying too. These benefits are too important to sacrifice on the altar of religious objection, so we will certainly be urging the Government to defend the better interests of children over the vested interests of religion.’
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For further comment or information please contact Humanists UK Education Campaigns Manager Jay Harman on jay@humanists.uk or 07970 393 680.
See the Department for Education’s call for evidence: https://consult.education.gov.uk/life-skills/pshe-rse-call-for-evidence/supporting_documents/Sex%20and%20Relationships%20Education%20%20A%20call%20for%20evidence.pdf
Read Humanists UK’s previous news item ‘House of Commons approves RSE in English schools, whilst expressing concerns on faith school opt outs’: https://humanists.uk/2017/03/08/house-of-commons-approves-compulsory-relationships-and-sex-education-in-english-schools-whilst-expressing-concerns-on-faith-school-opt-out/
Read more about Humanists UK’s work on RSE: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/school-curriculum/pshe-and-sex-and-relationships-education/
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk/