RSE is about the emotional, social and cultural development of pupils, and involves learning about relationships, sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity.
RSE involves a combination of sharing information, and exploring issues and values.
RSE is not about the promotion of sexual activity.
The aims of relationships and sex education (RSE) at our school are to:
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Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place
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Prepare pupils for puberty, and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene
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Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy, and cultivate positive characteristics such as kindness and integrity
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Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships
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Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies
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Align with the school’s vision and values
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The framework for relationships and sex education relates closely to the school’s vision and values, particularly in relation to the core values of:
Respect
We think about the feelings, wishes and rights of others
We behave in a correct way towards others and in different situations; We are trustworthy; We are reasonable; We are good and reliable friends and role models
As a maintained primary school, we must provide relationships education to all pupils under section 34 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017.
We are not required to provide sex education, but we do need to teach the elements of sex education contained in the science curriculum.
In teaching RSE, we must have regard to guidance issued by the secretary of state, as outlined in section 403 of the Education Act 1996.
We also have regard to legal duties set out in:
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Sections 404 to 407 of the Education Act 1996.
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Part 6, chapter 1 of the Equality Act 2010
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The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) (as set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010). This duty requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between different people when carrying out their activities
RSE is taught within the personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum. Biological aspects of RSE are taught within the science curriculum, and other aspects are included in religious education (RE). The children will be involved in whole class, small groups and some individual sessions (if needed). We follow SCARF and use their materials, videos and resources.
SCARF follows a progressive curriculum which will build upon knowledge from previous years. There are 6 main topics with SCARF that spiral through the years. RSE is fitted within this curriculum and links to age appropriate discussions, knowledge and preparation for life skills. It makes sure children and young people get the relationships, health and sex education they need to support their mental health and wellbeing, and prepare them for the changes they will experience as they grow up. This will help the children to make healthy choices, recognise and manage feelings, and better enable them to be safe from harm, both online and offline.
Children with SEND may not have the cognitive ability to access some of the SCARF lesson content, but it's also important to recognise that children's bodies will still be developing in line with their age. They need information to help keep them safe and also help them to understand how and why their bodies will develop. This means that the statutory requirements should be taught to all children by the end of Y6 in an age-appropriate, accessible way. There are adapted resources to support the SCARF lessons with further visual resources. There are also recommended organisations which have resources aimed at children with SEND.
Mr Chris Evans
Headteacher