Relationships, sex and health education (RSHE)

What is RSHE?

RSHE stands for Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education. In primary schools, the subjects should put in place the key building blocks for healthy, respectful relationships, focusing on family and friendships, in all contexts, including online. At secondary school, teaching builds on this and develops children and young people's understanding of health, with an increased focus on risk areas such as drugs and alcohol, as well as introducing knowledge about intimate relationships and sex and how to have positive and healthy sexual relationships. (The Education Hub blog, 24 October 2023.)

Its key components typically include:

Relationships education: This is about developing healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds.
Sex education: This helps children and young people to understand human sexuality and to respect themselves and others.
Health education: This is now compulsory in all schools too. It's about learning about the body, feelings, beliefs, relationships, rights and responsibilities and knowing how and when to ask for help if it is needed.

These components are designed to ensure that children and young people can make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, and relationships, in a sensitive way that is appropriate for their age. The content used must be factual and age-appropriate.

Why is RSHE important?

RSHE is a crucial part of the curriculum for several reasons. It improves physical and mental health, it helps children and young people make informed decisions, it safeguards children and young people by empowering them to protect themselves and covering topics such as online safety and the risks of drugs and alcohol, it helps develops positive attitudes, promotes age appropriate learning in relation to sensitive and complex topics and prepares children and young people for future challenges.

RSHE plays a vital role in equipping children and young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate their personal and social lives responsibly and healthily. It's a comprehensive approach to education that goes beyond academic learning, focusing on the holistic development of children and young people

What does the law say?

In 2020, relationships education became compulsory in all primary schools in England and relationships and sex education compulsory in all secondary schools, as well as making health education compulsory in primary and secondary schools.

While sex education is not statutory in primary schools, the government does recommend that all primary schools teach elements of sex education. The RSHE curriculum states that

"all primary schools should have a sex education programme tailored to the age and the physical and emotional maturity of the pupils. It should ensure that both boys and girls are prepared for the changes that adolescence brings and - drawing on knowledge of the human life cycle set out in the national curriculum for science - how a baby is conceived and born."

Supporting individual needs

Teaching RSHE to children and young people with additional needs such as SEND or English as an additional language (EAL) requires a tailored approach that considers the unique needs and abilities of each child or young person Some strategies and resources that can help include adapting the curriculum, simplifying language, using visual aids, ensuring all teachers are trained in delivering RSHE to all children and young people, work closely with families and use bespoke resources.

The PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) Association provides guidance on teaching children or young people with SEND.

Remember, the goal of RSHE is to ensure that all children and young people including those with SEND, have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, and relationships. It's important to deliver this education in a way that is accessible and meaningful to them.

Working with families

Parents have a legal right to know what their children are being taught in RSHE and can request to see teaching materials.

Parents can opt for their child not to be taught Sex Education up until they are 15. They cannot opt out of Relationships or Health Education.

The biological aspect of reproduction will always be taught in science lessons in Primary schools, usually in Year 5 or 6. Parents/carers cannot withdraw children from these lessons. This includes learning about the life cycle of different animals and plants, how children grow from babies to adults and the changes that happen within their bodies, including pregnancy and birth.

Importance of staff CPD

Staff CPD is key in supporting staff confidence and aiding the safe and effective teaching of RSHE, especially when staff are required to teach or discuss complex issues.

It is important that staff feel confident and know how to create safe learning environments for all children and young people, themselves and other staff. A safe learning environment means everyone can engage with complex issues including sharing their feelings, exploring a range of values, express diverse opinions respectfully and consider those of others.

The PSHE Association has guidance on:

What support is available?

National

Department for Education (DfE)

The DfE provides statutory guidance on RSHE. This guidance applies to all schools and is issued under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 and section 403 of the Education Act 1996.

PSHE Association

The PSHE Association provides a range of guidance to support teachers and schools. They also outline 11 key principles of effective practice in prevention education.

Norfolk

Our local offer draws upon what is available nationally, helping you contextualise approaches, and provides targeted support to meet the needs of your school community. Find out more on the Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education (RSHE) graduated offer web page.

Key contacts

To contact our RSHE adviser, please email inclusionandsend@norfok.gov.uk.