Guidance for Parents - RSE

In September 2020, the Government introduced a new curriculum to Primary and Secondary Schools from September 2020 which schools need to start teaching in the summer term of 2021.

Relationships Education and Health Education are now mandatory subjects to teach. 

Highfields fully embraces the changes and  continue to work very closely with our PSHE and RSE education provider Coram Life Education, with its SCARF programme.

Highfields endorses the DfE position that "Both parents and schools play a key role in the
education of children. Parents should therefore be encouraged to be involved in their child’s education in schools. Schools deliver a broad and balanced curriculum that will prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Constructive dialogue between schools and parents about that curriculum, as well as other aspects of the school’s activities, supports mutual understanding and ultimately benefits the progress of pupils." Parents and carers views were invited via an online questionnaire - results below.

A clear outcome is that Highfields needed to do more to share knowledge with parents about the PSHE and RSE policies and what we are teaching in school. This has has been remedied.

Attached is a government guide for parents as well as a link to their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Government/news/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education-faqs

Here is a link to the government's update:

Government/publications/changes-to-personal-social-health-and-economic-pshe-and-relationships-and-sex-education-rse 

Right to Withdraw  Your Child from  Sex Education Classes

Government guidance states that "You cannot withdraw your child from Relationships Education because it is important that all children receive this content, covering topics such as friendships and how to stay safe.
Your child’s primary school can choose to teach Sex Education. "  Highfields has chosen to teach Sex Education .

The Guidance continues..."If you’d like to know more about this, we recommend speaking to the school to understand what will be taught and when. If you do not want your child to take part in some or all of the lessons on Sex Education, you can ask that they are withdrawn. At primary level, the head teacher must grant this request." 

In the booklet  "Parents’ Guide to RSE Policy"  there is a form called " Removal from Sex Education Permission Request"  that you can fill in and then discuss  with  the Headteacher. This copy is attached below on this page, and is also available in paper copies from the office. If you require this in a different format to access it please let the office know. 
Please note: The science curriculum in all maintained schools also includes content on human development, including reproduction, which there is no right to withdraw from.

Parents and Carers RSE resources:

These resources are recommended by Coram  SCARF, Highfields' PSHE and RSE education provider.  

Parents / carers to  review as age appropriate  for their child