In our previous blog we updated you on the new requirements to teach relationships, health and sex education (elements of which are phase specific) which will become mandatory in September 2020.
In our previous blog we updated you on the new requirements to teach relationships, health and sex education (elements of which are phase specific) which will become mandatory in September 2020. At the end of June the DfE published its statutory guidance to accompany the new Regulations. The content of the curriculum has been widened and includes new topic areas relevant to young people living in a modern society. Although guidance has been produced, a recent poll of teachers has found that many are not confident in teaching the new curriculum and many feel their schools are not ready to handle the complex issues that the topics raise, such as Female Genital Mutilation.
Given the breadth and sensitivities of the curriculum it needs to be taught at the right time, in the right way by properly trained teachers. Following release of the guidance there has been a call for greater investment in training and support for teachers to get them ready for the implementation of RSE. Schools will need to start considering their policies and working with their school communities and parents to ensure the content they deliver is clearly embedded into a whole school ethos. The training and support to teaching staff will be crucial to ensure that the curriculum is delivered effectively. Schools will need to start thinking about staff training and support, whether through training days or induction to ensure they are ready to teach the curriculum and ensure their pupils can make safe and informed choices.
Associate
Laura.murphy@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 908 4886
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