Why are parents concerned
From April 2021.
- Your child will learn new topics:
Primary – same sex relationships will be referred to in ‘different types of families’ and may be referred to in ‘other topics such as: ‘relationships’ and the names of genitals in the topic of ‘staying safe’.
Secondary – Schools have to teach the facts about the law about sex, sexuality, sexual health and gender identity in an age-appropriate and inclusive way so that ‘all pupils should feel that the content is relevant to them and their developing sexuality’.
Schools must explore sexual orientation and gender identity’ at a timely point’ and give equal opportunity to explore the features of stable and healthy same sex relationships.
Consent, contraception, safer-sex methods, sexually transmitted infections, different (non-sexual) types of relationship, choice to delay sex or to enjoy intimacy without sex, LGBT issues, sexual orientation, gender identity and so on – DFE statutory guidance -pages 15,26-29.
- LGBT content will be integrated into the study programme so will not be a standalone lesson. Schools are free to determine how they do this.
- School will decide HOW, WHEN and WHAT to teach -While parents’ will be consulted and views taken on board they do not amount to a veto over curriculum content i.e. the final decision is with the school.
- There are outside lobby organizations that advocate and promote their agenda and have already produced resources that schools are free to use in the lessons.
You are your child’s parents and primary educators. You know what’s best for them.
- Will topics be taught at an age you think is right for your child?
- Will you be ok with the books, materials, and videos your child will see or organisations?
- How and who will monitor the delivery and more importantly, how will you know?
- Can teachers teach it in a factual, unbiased, and consistent way that ensures that your values and your religious and philosophical beliefs are respected?
- Poorly implemented RSE will expose children to inappropriate content, will lead to over sexualised children vulnerable to abuse and grooming as well as children who are confused about their sexual or gender identity at a vulnerable time in their lives.
Separating sex and relationship education.
”In secondary schools, RSE will often address aspects of relationships and sex education in an integrated way within a single topic. Schools should develop programes of teaching which prioritize effective delivery of the content, and do not need artificially to separate sex education and Relationships Education.”
Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education guidance
National curriculum subjects: citizenship, science, computing and PE
104.Relationships Education, RSE and Health Education complement several national curriculum subjects. Where schools are teaching the national curriculum, they should look for opportunities to draw links between the subjects and integrate teaching where appropriate. There continues to be no right of withdrawal from any part of the national curriculum.
106.. At key stages 1 and 2, the national curriculum for science includes teaching about the main external parts of the body and changes to the human body as it grows from birth to old age, including puberty. At key stage 3 and 4, it includes teaching about reproduction in humans; for example, the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems, menstrual cycle, gametes, fertilizations, gestation, birth and HIV/AIDS
RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION, RELATIONSHIPS AND SEX EDUCATION AND HEALTH EDUCATION GUIDANCE PAGE-39