Life today is very different from 20 years ago. Many of us spend a lot of time online. This brings exciting chances for young people, but also some risks. Children and young people need to learn how to stay safe, healthy, and happy in this new world.
- Primary schools must teach health and relationships education
- Secondary schools must teach health, relationships and sex education
Primary schools
Relationships education
Children learn about:
- What a relationship is
- What friendship means
- What family is
- Who they can go to for help and support
They also learn how to treat others with kindness, care, and respect, in a way that suits their age.
Health education
Health education helps children:
- Make good choices about their health and wellbeing
- Spot problems in themselves or others
- Get help early when something isn’t right
Learning about mental health is a big part of health and relationships education.
Sex education
Sex education is not compulsory in primary schools. But the Department for Education says schools should offer age-appropriate lessons. If a primary school chooses to teach sex education, parents can ask for their child to be taken out of any lessons that go beyond the national science curriculum.
Secondary schools
In secondary schools, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) builds on what children learned in primary school. It helps young people:
- Understand healthy and unhealthy relationships
- Learn what makes a good friend, colleague, or partner
- Know how to make safe and informed choices about intimate relationships
Health education also looks at:
- Drugs and alcohol
- Mental health
- How to stay safe and well
RSE does not encourage early sexual activity. It helps young people:
- Understand human sexuality
- Respect themselves and others
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Learn about safe and healthy relationships
What schools must do
Schools must teach RSE in a way that:
- Is age-appropriate
- Is inclusive
- Respects the beliefs and backgrounds of pupils and parents
- Gives pupils the right information about the law
School policies
Since September 2020, schools must have a Relationship Education Policy on their website. This explains:
- What the school teaches
- When and how it is taught
You can find short guides on GOV.UK about what’s taught in both primary and secondary schools.
These guides are also available in Arabic, Somali, and Urdu.
Parents' role in RSE
You can give feedback
Schools must talk to parents about their Relationship Education Policy. You can give feedback, and the school will consider all comments before making changes. This doesn’t mean parents can remove content, but schools must show they’ve listened and made fair decisions.
You can withdraw your child
Parents can ask for their child to be taken out of sex education lessons that are part of RSE. This can be done until three terms before the child turns 16. After that, if the child wants to take part, the school should allow it. The headteacher may talk with you and your child to understand your concerns and see if a solution can be found. Relationships education is compulsory in all schools in England.
Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
RSE and Health Education must be accessible for all pupils. Schools may need to adjust lessons to meet the needs of children in special schools or those with SEN in mainstream schools. Lessons must be:
- sensitive
- age-appropriate
- respectful of the law
Faith schools
Faith schools must consider pupils’ religious backgrounds when teaching RSE. They must follow the Equality Act 2010, which protects religion and belief.
Helping your child learn
Parents play a big role in helping children learn about health and relationships. Libraries in Portsmouth have books to help. Staff can recommend good ones for you and your child. Your child’s school library may also have helpful books.
Useful websites and documents
Here are some websites you can explore with your child:
- Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) – Friendships
- Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) – Sex and Relationships
- Healthier Together – Health for Young People
- The Mix – Essential Support for Under 25s
- Safe4me – Parents
Here are some documents you can download: