Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
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:
2023 Letters to parents and carers
Highfields RSE Parents Survey Results
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 If you do not want your child to take part in some or all of the lessons on Sex Education, you can ask that they are withdrawn.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.
Useful leaflets for parents - Relationships and Sex Education
PSHE Association Programme of Study - from Sept 2020. CLE SCARF is aligned to this programme of study.
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