In the academic year 2020/21, Relationships Education and Health Education became statutory in all primary schools in England.
Catholic Schools, like all other schools in England are required to produce a written policy following the guidance issued by the Department of Education on Relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education. RSE is part of the mission of Catholic schools to educate the whole person. It should be carried out as part of the holistic education which seeks to form as well as inform young people in preparation for adult life. (Catholic Education Service) Catholic schools are required to deliver RSE in accordance with the teaching of the church. This approach is compatible with the guidance issued by the DFE. As a Catholic school, our mission is to support the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all of our pupils, rooted in the wisdom and teaching of the Church. The education of children in human sexuality is an important, precious and privileged responsibility. The Church teaches us that this is very much a partnership with parents, in which parents are the ‘first educators’ of their children on these matters; ultimately, you confer on us the right to co-educate your children with you.
Our RSHE (Relationship, Sex and Health Education) is taught to every year group at an appropriate level and under the guidance of the Nottingham Diocese. It is taught through our ‘Personal Development’ curriculum and builds on previous knowledge year on year.
RSHE should be delivered by Primary schools, but the responsibility as primary educators should be parents in their home environment. The partnership between home and school is invaluable. If you wish to see the coverage delivered in school, please see the documents attached above.
Only in Year 6 is there an opportunity to remove your child from some of the content covered, this involves the topic called ‘Making Babies’. If children are removed, it is understood that this content would be covered by parents. It is an essential part of understanding how they will grow and develop. You will be notified by the class teacher when it is to be covered and if you wish to remove your child, you must do this in writing to Mrs Carr.
We have decided to adopt Life to the Full by Ten Ten Resources. Ten Ten is an award-winning Catholic educational organisation that is well-respected and very experienced in this field of work. Life to the Full has been approved by our diocese. Furthermore, Ten Ten have entered into a partnership with the Catholic Education Service and the Department for Education to provide training for teachers in Catholic schools on the subject of the new statutory curriculum. Therefore, we are confident that this programme is a very good fit for our school. Through their programme, Ten Ten understand the foundational role that parents have in educating and nurturing their children on these matters. Within the programme, they have built in resources which will not only keep you informed about what is being taught in school, but will also give you the opportunity to engage your children in discussion, activity and prayer.
Parent Voice
Relationships, Sex and Health Education is an important part of the curriculum and is delivered in explicit lessons through other areas of the curriculum. Our aim is to support the development of confident, healthy, happy children who are equipped to make a positive contribution to the community. Parent voice and feedback as well as student voice is sought to inform and develop the curriculum.
