It is a statutory requirement for all primary schools to have a Relationships & Health Education Policy detailing the supportive provision within each year group. The process of implementation has been interrupted by the pandemic over the last year and a half, but we have a finalised our policy and agreed it with the governing body, which is available on the school website.
We know that this aspect of education can be sensitive for many reasons. However, although as adults we may have our own hang-ups, it is essential that children develop their knowledge and understanding so that they can form the skills and attributes which will allow them to form safe and positive relationships as they grow.
The aims of Relationships and Health education (RHE) at our school are to:
- Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place.
- Prepare pupils for puberty and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene.
- Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy.
- Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships.
- Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies.
All year groups will have aspects of relationship teaching which is focused on friendship, caring for others, being respectful and love. As children progress through primary, they will learn more about their bodies: what each part is and how it functions. Through this programme, children will be involved in sessions which will:
- Introduce correct terminology for body parts.
- Provide opportunities to share ‘slang’ names for body parts so that this can be corrected.
- Discuss relationships and love in many forms found in modern families (e.g. across genders).
Although parents/carers do not have the right to withdraw their children from relationships education they do have the right to withdraw their children from components of sex education.
To support parents to make this decision we will provide curriculum information annually for each year group so that it is clear what the programme consists of. We will also provide information before any programmes are delivered by school nurses.
Any parent who wishes to discuss the programme/policy or share any concerns they have, can contact school to meet with an appropriate member of staff.
Parental Consultation (This will be open from 14/06/2021 until 25/06/2021)
From September, we will be able to implement the programme fully. We would like views from parents and carers and so would appreciate it if the short survey below could be completed by clicking on the link.
It is important to answer these in conjunction with this overview and the Relationships & Health Education Policy or the summary overviews available below.
Relationship & Health Education Survey
Relationships and Health Education Policy
Year Group Curriculum Overviews
