Commenting on the Department for Education’s announcement about a
review of Relationships, Sex, Health and Education guidance,
Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and
College Leaders, said: “It is important to understand a review of
the guidance was always planned at this time and it is not now
happening in response to some sort of calamity over the teaching
of this important subject. It is very disappointing to see
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan’s implicit criticism of
schools when she says the review will restore the confidence of
parents.
“In fact, the vast majority of schools teach this subject
cautiously, sensitively and in an age-appropriate manner. Claims
made about inappropriate teaching are overblown, sweeping and
supported by evidence which is flimsy at best.
“Furthermore, the government has provided very little training
support for the teaching of this subject and we sincerely hope
the review that is due to take place will make recommendations
around providing more and better-resourced training. This is such
a sensitive and difficult subject to navigate that it really
requires the provision of specialist teachers, but the government
expects it to be taught by existing classroom teachers who are
also teaching other subjects. As ever, it expects to deliver
major policies on the cheap, and then is quick to criticise
schools.”
