EC Meeting Papers March 2018

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY 9 TH FEBRUARY 2018

CONTACT: Richard Newson / rnewson@ncb.org.uk / 0207 843 6047

EDUCATION UNIONS BACK FACT-BASED RELATIONSHIPS AND SEX EDUCATION

Teaching unions have sent a clear message that when relationships and sex

education (RSE) becomes a statutory part of all schools’ teaching in 2019, it must be

based on facts rather than opinions, delivered by properly trained staff and meet

the needs of all pupils.

The unions, including the National Education Union, NAHT, Voice, ASCL and others,

have endorsed a set of 12 guiding principles created by the Sex Education Forum to

guide teachers and policymakers as the Government consultation on RSE nears its

end.

The principles require that RSE gives a positive view of human sexuality, delivered by

properly trained staff, working in partnership with parents. The subject must present

reliable, medically-correct information relevant to all pupils, including those with

disabilities, special educational needs and must foster LGBT+ equality and gender

equality.

Lucy Emmerson, Coordinator of the Sex Education Forum said:

‘We only have a relatively short time to prepare for statutory RSE. These principles

are based on research evidence and explain clearly what schools need to do to

offer high-quality RSE.

‘We hope that Government pays careful attention to the evidence as it considers

what schools will be required to teach. Learning about a wide range of topics, from

puberty to consent, is something that every child is entitled to, and the new

guidance is an opportunity to spell this out.’

Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary, National Education Union said:

‘High quality, inclusive RSE is an essential safeguarding tool that can help students

stay safe. RSE can only be effective if the content is reflective of and relevant to all

students. For it to be high quality it must be LGBT+ inclusive, accessible to all learners

and respond to students’ needs.