Definition of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

“It is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about the understanding of the importance of family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality, and sexual health. It is not about the promotion of sexual orientation or sexual activity – this would be inappropriate teaching.” (DfE Guidance)

Effective Relationships and Sex Education does not encourage early sexual experimentation - but it does enable young people to mature, to build up their confidence and self-esteem and to understand the reasons for delaying sexual activity until they are ready. Parents and carers are the key people for their child's learning about relationships and sex and schools should always work in partnership with home. Parents and carers need to know that the school's Relationships and Sex Education programme will complement their role and support them in the education of their child regarding relationships and sex. Stopsley Community Primary School and Nursery will ensure that parents’ and carers’ views are heard and that taught Relationships and Sex Education is culturally appropriate and inclusive of all of our children.

As a maintained primary school, we must provide relationships education to all pupils as per 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. At Stopsley Community Primary School and Nursery we teach RSE as set out in the policy below.

At the bottom of this page you can also find a 'Frequently Asked Questions' document, created by Luton Borough Council, which answers many questions that parents have regarding the new curriculum. Should you have any further questions after reading through this, please speak to your child's class teacher.

The NSPCC has some useful resources to support parents with talking to their children about staying safe. They can be accessed here.