DfE to issue more guidance on Sex Education and parents rights
The DfE has recently laid its draft Regulations on Relations, Sex and Health Education before Parliament and has published accompanying draft statutory guidance.
The DfE has recently laid its draft Regulations on Relations, Sex and Health Education before Parliament and has published accompanying draft statutory guidance. These Regulations intend to make the teaching of these subjects compulsory in schools (specific elements being phase dependant) from September 2020.
There has been a high level of interest in this topic and wide ranging commentary on the content of the curriculum particularly around sex education. The Regulations do allow some flexibility in their approach and leaves intact the right of parents to withdraw their child from sex education, save for biological aspects of human growth and reproduction that form part of the National Science Curriculum. The new position is that parents will be able to withdraw pupils until three terms before their child’s 16th birthday; however, headteachers can refuse the withdrawal in ‘exceptional circumstances.’ There have been concerns that schools could abuse this power. The DfE has stated that it will issue further guidance on handling these requests so as to reflect current thinking and give more shape to the plans the DfE intended. It is likely the situations will be rare and unique and there will be no definitive list provided.
There are other changes in this area such as giving pupils the right to ‘opt in’ to sex education classes as they approach 16 years old, thereby giving pupils’ autonomy over their own education and which is something schools will have to translate into their policies. This is going to be an area which needs careful thought and planning to ensure that schools can deliver teaching in this area by the right people, at the right level. Open discussions with the school community will help young people make safe and informed choices.
Contact
Laura Murphy
Associate
Laura.murphy@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 908 4886
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
Understanding the ICO's new fining guidance
Legal Update
7 ways academy trusts can prepare for the new Corporate Transparency Act
Online Event
School complaints: handling problem parent behaviour
Press Release - Firm news
Three newly-qualified solicitors join Browne Jacobson’s education team
In Person Event
National Governance Conference for schools and trusts
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 3) - in conversation with inspiring leaders
Opinion
Can teachers personal and political views amount to misconduct?
Legal Update
New leadership for our education team
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson announces Nick MacKenzie to succeed Mark Blois as head of Browne Jacobson’s education team
Legal Update
Changes to academy conversion funding
Legal Update
Holiday pay: Government change clarifies treatment of term time only workers
Legal Update
All change at Companies House - Corporate Transparency Act
Online Event
Understanding the changing role of company secretary for academy trusts
Legal Update
Cyber-attacks in UK universities: Why failing to prepare is no longer an option
Opinion
School attendance matters
Legal Update
Not quite a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools: DfE guidance insights
Legal Update
Charity law update – March 2024
Opinion
Caregivers at work: Navigating new carer's leave regulations
Legal Update
Updated guidance for collaborative learning delivery in higher education
Opinion
EHRC publishes new guidance on menopause and the workplace
Opinion
Regulator warning on future dangers of asbestos
In Person Event
Child protection in Education – London
In Person Event
Leading Safeguarding 2024 - London
In Person Event
Optimus: HR update and people strategy
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected (schools and academy trusts) - February 2024
Legal Update
Ofsted reform: Where are we now and where do we go from here?
Legal Update
New case on the reasonable adjustment duty for pupils in schools
Legal Update
What does the new gender questioning guidance mean for schools?
Legal Update
How do holiday pay reforms affect the education sector?
Legal Update - Building Safety Act
Do your campus buildings comply with the latest legislation?
Published Article
Proactive handling of vexatious complaints and abuse of staff in schools
Legal Update
Subsidy control: Guide to streamlined routes for universities
Legal Update
Data protection in higher education: what to expect in 2024
Legal Update
Installing EV charge points on university campuses
Legal Update
Holiday reforms: What employers need to know
Legal Update
Employment law in 2024: How changes impact education
Legal Update
Backpay for leavers: Employers risk unlawful deduction from wages claims
Published Article
Navigating parental complaints in turbulent times
Legal Update
Inspector conduct – what will Ofsted do about it?
