Relationships, Sex and Health Education

From September 2020, Relationships Education and Health Education became compulsory for all pupils receiving primary education. As a school we wholeheartedly support the philosophy of RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) and believe it is best taught as part of PSHE and citizenship education. The programme seeks to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils as well as preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life in a digital age.

Relationships and health education is compulsory in all primary and secondary schools. Sex education is currently not compulsory in primary school, however the DfE continues to recommend that all primary schools should have a sex education programme that is tailored to the age and maturity of the pupils. At John Clifford, we take a whole school approach to the teaching of sex education, from Foundation Stage to Year 6, with a key focus on Years 4, 5 and 6.

As part of the Education Act 2002/Academies Act (2010), all schools must provide a balanced and broad-based curriculum which promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society, whilst also preparing pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

Why do we teach SRE?

At John Clifford School, we believe that Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) is a vital part of children's education. It has a key role in the realisation of our school ethos, and the promotion of our values. We aim to deliver a comprehensive SRE programme across all key stages, which is fully integrated, balanced and consistent.

Delivery of SRE at John Clifford is carefully considered, and ensures teaching is age and stage appropriate. We aim to equip pupils with the skills to form and sustain positive, enjoyable, respectful, equal and non-exploitative relationships. We aim to foster in out young children an awareness of their roles and responsibilities within different contexts. Teaching also include children's preparation for puberty, and other physical and emotional changes and challenges that they may face.

How do we teach SRE

At John Clifford, the teaching of specific SRE takes place in years 5 and 6, whilst other year groups focus on wellbeing and scientific concepts about the human body. We follow a combined scheme of work from the Christopher Winter Project (CWP) and the PSHE Association. Our SRE Medium Term Plan for all year groups can be found below. Relationships education is also well embedded within our PSHE teaching, led by the PSHE Subject Leader, Mr Hayward-Mitchell.

Children of all genders receive the same input from SRE lessons in order for them to understand the changes in their own gender and that of others.

Parents have a right to withdraw their child from any or all of the SRE programme of study, but not from the biological aspects of human growth and reproduction provided under the National Curriculum for Science 2014 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-science-programmes-of-study).

sre overview 1 sre overview 2

Guidance - RSE and Health Education

Parent/Carer Consultation

Thank you to all parents and carers who took part in our Relationships and Sex Education Consultation. Comments have been used to shape the curriculum policy and teaching model.