The DfE has launched a consultation on its proposed new RSHE guidance: What it means for sex education lessons in schools. The guidance includes the following:
- Introducing age limits, to ensure children aren’t being taught about sensitive and complex subjects before they are ready to fully understand them.
- The concept of gender identity – the sense a person may have of their own gender, whether male, female or a number of other categories – is highly contested and should not be taught.
- The facts about biological sex and gender reassignment will still be taught.
- There is a new section on transparency with parents, making it absolutely clear that parents have a legal right to know what their children are being taught in RSHE and can request to see teaching materials.
- They are seeking views on adding several new and updated subjects to the curriculum, including
- Suicide prevention
- Sexual harassment and sexual violence
- Loneliness
- The prevalence of ‘deepfakes’
- Healthy behaviours during pregnancy, as well as miscarriage
- Illegal online behaviours including drug and knife supply
- The dangers of vaping
- Menstrual and gynaecological health including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and heavy menstrual bleeding.
You can access the guidance and the consultation on the DfE The Education Hub here.
dsga.org.uk 