Definition of Relationship and Sex Education

Since the then Right Honourable Justine Greening, Secretary of State for Education, announced, on March 1^st 2017, that it is her intention to make Relationships Education statutory in Primary schools from September 2019, Sex and Relationship Education has now become better known as RSE – Relationship and Sex Education – to reflect the changes that are to come. However, much of the guidance still refers to it as SRE. Both are used here interchangeably for ease until RSE becomes statutory.

‘Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) is lifelong learning process of acquiring information, developing skills and forming positive beliefs and attitudes about sex, sexuality, relationships and feelings’ (Sex Education Forum, 1999). 

Effective RSE can make a significant contribution to the development of the personal skills needed by pupils if they are to establish and maintain relationships. It also enables children and young people to make responsible and informed decisions about their health and well-being.

RSE makes an important contribution to health and well-being by supporting children and young people's ability to learn, achieve and flourish.

"The right to education includes the right to sexual education, which is both a human right in itself and an indispensable means of realising other human rights, such as the right to health, the right to information and sexual and reproductive rights."

Report to the UN General Assembly - July 2010 | Item 69, paragraph 18

Current RSE Requirements

Maintained primary and secondary schools are legally obliged to have an up-to-date RSE policy that describes the content and organisation of RSE taught outside science in the National Curriculum. This includes special schools. In primary schools if the decision is taken not to teach RSE beyond the National Curriculum this should also be documented in the policy. The policy should be made available to parents/carers on request. It is the school governors’ responsibility to ensure that the policy is developed and implemented. School governors are in law expected to give ‘due regard’ to the SRE 2000 guidance and to maintain an up to date RSE policy which must be made available to parents/carers. (Learning and Skills Act, 2000).

It is good practice for academies, free schools, colleges and independent schools to have a policy on RSE. All state-funded schools must publish information in relation to each academic year, about the content of the school’s curriculum for each subject, and this includes any teaching in personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and SRE (see 2.5 in the National Curriculum framework (DfE 2013a) and Statutory Instrument 2012 No. 1124).

There is a useful FAQ section from the Sex Education Forum on RSE.

Compulsory Aspects of RSE

The sex education contained in National Curriculum science (Key Stages 1–4) is compulsory in maintained schools. In maintained secondary schools it is also compulsory for pupils to have sex education that includes HIV and AIDS and other sexually-transmitted infections. All state-funded schools must have ‘due regard’ to the Secretary of State’s guidance on SRE (DfEE, 2000). This states that:

• ‘All children, including those who develop earlier than average, need to know about puberty before they experience the onset of physical changes’ (1.13)
• Children should learn ‘how a baby is conceived and born’ before they leave primary school (1.16)

The Learning and Skills Act (2000) and the model funding agreements for academies and free schools require that state-funded schools ensure that within sex education children ‘learn the nature of marriage and its importance for family life and the bringing up of children’, and ‘are protected from teaching and materials which are inappropriate’. The guidance includes some specific information about meeting the needs of young people, whatever their sexuality, including boys and girls and those with special educational needs. It also has advice about addressing specific issues in RSE such as menstruation, contraception, safer sex and abortion.

RSE and Statutory Duties in School

RSE plays a very important part in fulfilling the statutory duties all schools have to meet. RSE helps children understand the difference between safe and abusive relationships and equips them with the skills to get help if they need it. State-funded schools have responsibilities for safeguarding and a legal duty to promote pupil well-being (Education and Inspections Act 2006 Section 38).

• Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) is an important part of PSHE Education (DfE, 2014).

• When any school provides RSE they must have regard to the Secretary of State’s guidance; this is a statutory duty. Academies do not have to provide RSE but must also have regard to Secretary of State’s guidance when they do (DfE, 2013). Ofsted will evaluate how schools help to ensure a healthy lifestyle for their children (Ofsted, 2013, Subsidiary Guidance Para 64).

• It is compulsory for all maintained schools to teach the parts of sex education that fall under National Curriculum Science which must be taught to all pupils of primary and secondary age e.g. the biological aspects of puberty and reproduction (Education Act 1996, National Curriculum 2014).

Updated government safeguarding guidance is now available (Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2018) and includes a section about being alert to signs that young girls may be at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). School summer holiday especially during the transition from primary to secondary schools is thought to be a key risk time for FGM. See also the government Multi-agency practice guidelines: Female Genital Mutilation (2016) which includes a section for schools.

RSE has clear links with other school policies aimed at promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, including the:

• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Behaviour Policy
• Confidentiality Policy
• Drug and Alcohol Education Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• ICT Policy and Safe Internet Use Policy
• Inclusion Policy
• RE Policy
• Safeguarding/Child Protection Policy
• SMSC Policy
• Special Educational Needs Policy

The Role of the Headteacher
It is the responsibility of the headteacher to ensure that staff and parents are informed about the RSE policy, and that the policy is implemented effectively. It is also the headteacher’s responsibility to ensure that members of staff are given sufficient training, so that they can teach effectively and handle any difficult issues with sensitivity.

The headteacher liaises with external agencies regarding the school RSE programme and ensures that all adults who work with children on these issues are aware of the school policy, and that they work within this framework. The headteacher monitors this policy on a regular basis and reports to governors, when requested, on the effectiveness of the policy.

Monitoring and Review

The Curriculum Committee of the governing body monitors the sex education policy on an annual basis. This committee reports its findings and recommendations to the full governing body, as necessary, if the policy needs modification. The Curriculum Committee gives serious consideration to any comments from parents about the sex education programme, and makes a record of all such comments. Governors require the headteacher to keep a written record, giving details of the content and delivery of the RSE programme that is taught in your school. Governors should scrutinise materials to check they are in accordance with the school’s ethos.

Equalities

The Equality Act 2010 covers the way the curriculum is delivered, as schools and other education providers must ensure that issues are taught in a way that does not subject pupils to discrimination. Schools have a duty under the Equality Act to ensure that teaching is accessible to all children and young people, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). Inclusive RSE will foster good relations between pupils, tackle all types of prejudice – including homophobia – and promote understanding and respect. The Department for Education has produced advice on The Equality Act 2010 and schools (DfE, 2014b).

Schools have a legal duty to promote equality (Equality Act, 2010) and to combat bullying (Education Act, 2006) (which includes homophobic, sexist, sexual and transphobic bullying) and Section 4.2 of the national curriculum (2014) states “Teachers should take account of their duties under equal opportunities legislation that covers race, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment.”

Jigsaw RSE Content

The grid below shows specific RSE learning intentions for each year group in the ‘Changing Me’ Puzzle.

Withdrawal from RSE Lessons

Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the Relationship and Sex Education provided at school except for those parts included in statutory National Curriculum Science. Those parents/carers wishing to exercise this right are invited in to see the head teacher and/or RSE Co-ordinator who will explore any concerns and discuss any impact that withdrawal may have on the child. Once a child has been withdrawn they cannot take part in the RSE programme until the request for withdrawal has been removed. Materials are available to parents/carers who wish to supplement the school RSE programme or who wish to deliver RSE to their children at home.

Working with Parents and Carers

The government guidance on SRE (DfEE 2000) emphasises the importance of schools working in partnership with parents and carers. Under current legislation schools should enable parents/carers to exercise their right to withdraw their children (until the age of 19) from any school RSE taught outside National Curriculum Science (Education Act 1996). This applies to maintained primary and secondary schools and includes pupils attending a sixth form that is part of a school. It does not apply to sixth form colleges and further education colleges. Parents/carers have a legal right to see the school RSE policy and to be given a copy of it (Education Act 1996). Parents/carers should also be aware that schools are legally required to provide a broad and balanced curriculum. Sex and relationships topics can arise incidentally in other subjects, such as Science, and it is not possible to withdraw pupils from these relatively limited and often unplanned discussions.

Drug and Alcohol Education

Definition of ‘Drugs’:

This policy uses the definition that a drug is: ‘A substance people take to change the way they feel, think or behave’ (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). The term ‘Drugs’ includes

• All illegal drugs
• All legal drugs including alcohol, tobacco and volatile substances which can be inhaled
• All over-the-counter and prescription medicines

Effective Drug and Alcohol Education can make a significant contribution to the development of the personal skills needed by pupils as they grow up.  It also enables young people to make responsible and informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Moral and Values Framework

The Drug and Alcohol Education programme at our school reflects the school ethos and demonstrates and encourages the following values. For example:

• Respect for self
• Respect for others
• Responsibility for their own actions
• Responsibility for their family, friends, schools and wider community

Jigsaw Drug and Alcohol Education Content

The grid below shows specific Drug and Alcohol Education learning intentions for each year group in the ‘Healthy Me’ Puzzle.

How is Jigsaw PSHE organised in school?

Jigsaw brings together PSHE Education, emotional literacy, social skills and spiritual development in a comprehensive scheme of learning. Teaching strategies are varied and are mindful of preferred learning styles and the need for differentiation. Jigsaw is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time. This enables each Puzzle to start with an introductory assembly, generating a whole school focus for adults and children alike.

There are six Puzzles in Jigsaw that are designed to progress in sequence from September to July. Each Puzzle has six Pieces (lessons) which work towards an ‘end product’, for example, The School Learning Charter or The Garden of Dreams and Goals.

Each Piece has two Learning Intentions: one is based on specific PSHE learning (covering the non-statutory national framework for PSHE Education but enhanced to address children’s needs today); and one is based on emotional literacy and social skills development to enhance children’s emotional and mental health. The enhancements mean that Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE, is relevant to children living in today’s world as it helps them understand and be equipped to cope with issues like body image, cyber and homophobic bullying, and internet safety.

Every Piece (lesson) contributes to at least one of these aspects of children’s development. This is mapped on each Piece and balanced across each year group.

Differentiation/SEN

Jigsaw is written as a universal core curriculum provision for all children. Inclusivity is part of its philosophy. Teachers will need, as always, to tailor each Piece to meet the needs of the children in their classes. To support this differentiation, many Jigsaw Pieces suggest creative learning activities that allow children to choose the media with which they work and give them scope to work to their full potential. To further help teachers differentiate for children in their classes with special educational needs, each Puzzle includes a P-level grid with suggested activities for children working at each of those levels.

If any changes are implemented nationally as a result of the Rochford Review Jigsaw will make the necessary amendments and offer this free update to all its schools.

Safeguarding

Teachers need to be aware that sometimes disclosures may be made during these sessions; in which case, safeguarding procedures must be followed immediately. Sometimes it is clear that certain children may need time to talk one-to-one after the circle closes. It is important to allow the time and appropriate staffing for this to happen. If disclosures occur, the school’s policy is followed.

The Learning Environment

Establishing a safe, open and positive learning environment based on trusting relationships between all members of the class, adults and children alike, is vital. To enable this, it is important that ‘ground rules’ are agreed and owned at the beginning of the year and are reinforced in every Piece – by using The Jigsaw Charter. (Ideally, teachers and children will devise their own Jigsaw Charter at the beginning of the year so that they have ownership of it.) It needs to include the aspects below:

The Jigsaw Charter

• We take turns to speak
• We use kind and positive words
• We listen to each other
• We have the right to pass
• We only use names when giving compliments or when being positive
• We respect each other’s privacy (confidentiality)

Teaching Sensitive and Controversial Issues

Sensitive and controversial issues are certain to arise in learning from real-life experience. Teachers will be prepared to handle personal issues arising from the work, to deal sensitively with, and to follow up appropriately, disclosures made in a group or individual setting.  Issues that we address that are likely to be sensitive and controversial because they have a political, social or personal impact or deal with values and beliefs include: family lifestyles and values, physical and medical issues, financial issues, bullying and bereavement.

Teachers will take all reasonable, practical steps to ensure that, where political or controversial issues are brought to pupils’ attention, they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views. Teachers will adopt strategies that seek to avoid bias on their part and will teach pupils how to recognise bias and evaluate evidence. Teachers will seek to establish a classroom climate in which all pupils are free from any fear of expressing reasonable points of view that contradict those held either by their class teachers or their peers.

Answering Difficult Questions and Sensitive Issues

Staff members are aware that views around RSE- and Drug and Alcohol Education-related issues are varied.  However, while personal views are respected, all RSE and Drug and Alcohol Education issues are taught without bias using Jigsaw.  Topics are presented using a variety of views and beliefs so that pupils are able to form their own, informed opinions but also respect that others have the right to a different opinion.

Both formal and informal RSE and Drug and Alcohol Education arising from pupils’ questions are answered according to the age and maturity of the pupil(s) concerned.  Questions do not have to be answered directly, and can be addressed individually later.  The school believes that individual teachers must use their skill and discretion in this area and refer to the Child Protection Coordinator if they are concerned.

Our school believes that RSE and Drug and Alcohol Education should meet the needs of all pupils, answer appropriate questions and offer support. In Jigsaw Pieces that cover RSE provision, this should be regardless of their developing sexuality and be able to deal honestly and sensitively with sexual orientation, answer appropriate questions and offer support. Homophobic bullying is dealt with strongly yet sensitively.  The school liaises with parents/carers on this issue to reassure them of the content and context.

Links to Other Policies and Curriculum Areas

We recognise the clear link between Jigsaw PSHE and the following policies and staff are aware of the need to refer to these policies when appropriate.

• Science curriculum
• Teaching and Learning Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Child Protection Policy

Training and Support for Staff

All staff benefit from Jigsaw PSHE training in order to enhance their PSHE delivery skills.  Opportunities are provided for staff to identify individual training needs on a yearly basis and relevant support is provided.

In addition to this, support for teaching and understanding PSHE issues is incorporated in our staff INSET programme, drawing on staff expertise and/or a range of external agencies.

Dissemination

This policy is available on our school website where it can be accessed by the community. Training is regularly delivered to staff on the policy content. Copies are available from the school office on request from parents/carers.

Confidentiality and Child Protection/Safeguarding Issues

As a general rule a child’s confidentiality is maintained by the teacher or member of staff concerned.  If this person believes that the child is at risk or in danger, she/he talks to the named child protection co-ordinator who takes action as laid down in the Child Protection Policy. All staff members are familiar with the policy and know the identity of the member of staff with responsibility for Child Protection issues. The child concerned will be informed that confidentiality is being breached and reasons why.  The child will be supported by the teacher throughout the process.