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.
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs