Today the Education Secretary, , has announced the
formation of an independent expert advisory panel who will advise
on the review of the Relationships, Sex and Health Education
curriculum. This is the next step in progressing the government’s
mission to ensure that RSHE is taught in an age-appropriate and
factual way in England.
The panel will provide expert advice to the
Education Secretary on what is appropriate to be taught in RSHE
and at what age. They will consider evidence provided by Ofsted
on what is happening on the ground in schools to ascertain where
clear age ratings are needed, to reassure parents that there is
no room for disturbing or inappropriate content to be taught in
schools.
This announcement follows robust action to ensure parents know
what their children are being taught. In March, the Education
Secretary wrote to all schools reminding them that parents should
be able to view all curriculum materials, especially for
sensitive topics like RSHE.
Education Secretary , said:
The wellbeing and safeguarding of children is our absolute
priority, and I share the concerns of parents and teachers about
reports that inappropriate lessons are being taught in schools.
The vast majority of teachers do an incredible job navigating
these complex and sensitive issues. But the review of the
statutory guidance - with the help of this expert panel - will
provide clear safeguards against children being taught concepts
they are too young to understand or that are inappropriate for
their age.
I’m determined to bring forward new guidance as quickly as
possible, and schools should continue to engage with parents on
lessons that cover the teaching of sensitive issues.
The panel members were carefully considered based on their level
of relevant experience and expertise and will bring together
input from health, children’s development, and safeguarding:
- Professor Dame Lesley Regan, professor of Obstetrics and
Gynaecology at Imperial College London and the government’s first
ever Women’s Health Ambassador
- Sir Hamid Patel, Chief Executive of Star Academies
- Helena Brothwell, Regional Director of School Improvement for
David Ross Academy Trust
- Alasdair Henderson, barrister specialising in public law,
human rights and equality law
- Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and
Families in England
Chief Executive of Star Academies, Sir Hamid Patel, said:
The panel will offer insight on how schools can deliver a high
quality RSHE curriculum for all our young people in a way that is
age-appropriate, objective and wisely informed by the needs and
views of children, parents and families from all backgrounds,
across the country.
The review is a welcome opportunity to provide clarity for
teachers on expectations, alongside transparency and reassurance
for parents.
This is the first review of the statutory guidance since it came
into force in 2020. It will provide an opportunity to consider
whether the guidance covers the right topics and offers teachers
clarity on how to teach sensitive subjects and engage parents
positively.
The review of the curriculum will also make sure priority issues
are given the attention they deserve, including considering new
or additional content on mental health, suicide prevention,
vaping and tackling violence against women and girls.
The review will be completed by the end of the year, following a
consultation in the autumn. Input from the independent panel and
wider stakeholders over the summer will inform the consultation.
The panel will begin work immediately and conclude their work by
September 2023. The panel members are expected to give their time
on a voluntary basis.
