RSE and health education now mandatory 2020

Relationship education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education become a mandatory part of the school curriculum from September 2020.

However, schools should be aware that due to the disruption caused by Covid-19, schools that are not ready to deliver the new subjects or that are unable to meet the requirements will be allowed to delay teaching until the start of the summer term in 2021 at the latest.

The new subjects must be delivered in accordance with the Department for Education’s statutory guidance “Relationship Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education” (“Guidance”).

The Guidance requires all schools to have in place a written policy for relationships education and RSE. Schools must consult parents in developing and reviewing that policy. Schools should ensure that the policy meets the needs of pupils and parents and reflects the community they serve. The latter can be achieved by consulting with the wider school community.

The creation of a new syllabus is challenging and to assist with this the Guidance helpfully sets out what should be included in the policy. 

You will find this within paragraphs 15-18 of the Guidance. If you would like to discuss RSE or the guidance, please contact Thomas Emmett on 01245 453847 or email Thomas at [email protected].