Only certain aspects of sex and relationships education, mainly the biological ones, are compulsory for all children in certain age groups. These are taught as part of the National Science Curriculum. Primary school children in Key Stages 1 and 2 are taught about reproduction, puberty and how a baby is born. In addition we expect schools to have a programme on sex and relationship education (SRE) that is delivered through well planned and non-statutory Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE). We make it clear in our Sex and Relationship Education Guidance (July 2000) to schools that any programme of study must be tailored to the age and the physical and emotional maturity of the children. In early primary schools, SRE should focus on relationships such as friendship, bullying and the building of self-esteem.
We have announced our intention to make SRE compulsory as part of statutory PSHE, subject to the results of a consultation which the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is currently conducting. If this were to become statutory, schools will be required to provide a comprehensive programme covering both the biological and relationship aspects of SRE.
This will ensure that as well as receiving factual information, children and young people will have the opportunities to develop the skills they need to deal with the real life situations they face.