Responding to plans to introduce compulsory Relationships and Sex
Education (RSE) in schools, Anna Cole, Parliamentary and
Inclusion Specialist at the Association of School and College
Leaders, said:
“We welcome the introduction of compulsory relationships and sex
education in schools. In practice, most schools already teach
children about these issues. Making it compulsory puts that
practice on a more formal footing and supports schools with
updated and more detailed guidance which will help them deliver
this vital learning in the more complex, online age in which we
now live.
“We are aware that there are two issues causing controversy. The
first is the perception that young children will be taught about
lesbian and gay relationships. In fact, there is no requirement
at all to teach primary-age children about sexual relationships.
The guidance for this age group simply reflects the fact that
children are raised in different types of families, including
families with lesbian, gay and transgender parents. It is
reflective of reality and embodies the values of an inclusive and
tolerant society.
“The second area of controversy is the right of 15-year-olds to
opt into sex education lessons against the wishes of their
parents. It is important to understand that parents retain the
right to withdraw their child from sex education at earlier ages.
Our view is that 15-year-olds possess the judgement that is
necessary to decide this matter for themselves and that giving
them access to sex education lessons is proportionate and
sensible.
“We hope that objections to the guidance do not result in it
being derailed because we believe it is in the best interests of
children and young people.”
