Relationships Education (RSE) Information
Understanding Relationships and Health Education in your child’s primary school: A Guide for Parents
We want all children to grow up healthy, happy, safe, and able to manage the challenges and opportunities of modern Britain. That is why, from the academic year 2020/2021, all primary age children will be taught Relationships and Health Education.
These subjects are designed to equip your child with knowledge to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships as well as preparing them for a successful adult life. The world for all young people looks very different from the way it did 20 years ago when this curriculum was last updated – these changes bring the content into the 21st century, so that it is relevant for your child.
Goresbrook School will have flexibility to deliver the content in a way that is age and developmentally appropriate and sensitive to the needs and religious background of its pupils. We will of course, also send a further letter with details prior to teaching.
Relationships Education
Relationships Education will put in place the building blocks needed for positive and safe relationships, including with family, friends and online.
Your child will be taught what a relationship is, what friendship is, what family means and who can support them. In an age-appropriate way, your child’s school will cover how to treat each other with kindness, consideration and respect.
By the end of primary school, pupils will have been taught content on:
- families and people who care for me
- caring friendships
- respectful relationships
- online relationships
- being safe
Health Education
Health Education aims to give your child the information they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing, to recognise issues in themselves and others, and to seek support as early as possible when issues arise.
By the end of primary school, pupils will have been taught content on:
- Mental wellbeing
- Internet safety and harms
- Physical health and fitness
- Healthy eating
- Facts and risks associated with drugs, alcohol and tobacco
- Health and prevention
- Basic first aid
- Changing adolescent body
Your rights as a parent
The important lessons you teach your child about healthy relationships, looking after themselves and staying safe, are respected and valued under this new curriculum. Teaching at school will complement and reinforce the lessons you teach your child as they grow up.
At Goresbrook school, it is important that we take into account parent views when developing and renewing our policies on Relationships Education.
Right to withdraw your child
You cannot withdraw your child from Relationships Education because it is important that all children receive this content, covering topics such as friendships and how to stay safe.
If you do not want your child to take part in some or all of the lessons on Sex Education, you can ask that they are withdrawn. At primary level, the head teacher must grant this request. The science curriculum in all maintained schools also includes content on human development, including reproduction, which there is no right to withdraw from. If you want to know more about what will be taught as part of the new subjects, the best thing to do is speak to your child’s school and read the RSE policy via our Policies page.
The comprehensive programme of RSE, used by Goresbrook School, is called Jigsaw. It provides accurate information about the body, reproduction, sex, and sexual health. It also gives children and young people essential skills for building positive, enjoyable, respectful and non-exploitative relationships, focusing on staying safe both on and offline.