Why is learning and teaching about sex and relationship education important?

Effective sex and relationship education (SRE) is essential if young people are to make responsible, informed and healthy decisions about their lives, both now and in the future.

A successful programme will help young people learn to respect themselves and others, and move confidently from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.

The most appropriate context for SRE provision is as part of a wider programme of PSHE. The school’s SRE provision must also include those aspects that form part of the national curriculum programmes of study for science.

What are the requirements for sex and relationship education?

In primary schools headteachers and governors are responsible for deciding whether to provide SRE beyond the statutory requirements of the science programmes of study. They should also decide how it should be provided and what should be included.

In secondary schools headteachers and governors are required to provide a full programme of sex and relationship education to all pupils enrolled at the school to ensure that the needs and concerns of their pupils are met appropriately.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of sex education except the statutory parts that are included in the national curriculum programmes of study for science. Parents should be involved and consulted when planning an SRE programme. The Teacher’s handbook contains more information on this.

Schools should refer to Sex and relationship education guidance (DfES, 2002). This contains information on reviewing school policies as well as on curriculum content and delivery.

This page provides access to many useful websites relating to sex and relationship education. From this page you can also download the following SRE units.

• Unit 1 Special people

• Unit 4 Support networks

• Unit 5 How the body works and changes in puberty

• Unit 8 Bullying

• Unit 9 Healthy friendships and relationships

• Unit 11 Relationships: making healthy choices

• Unit 12 Sexuality