Relationships and Sex Education Policy

Introduction

This Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) policy outlines the commitment of Embsay C of E Primary School to provide high-quality, age-appropriate, and inclusive education concerning relationships and sex. This policy adheres to the 2014 National Curriculum in England, statutory guidance for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education (2019), and aligns with Ofsted’s framework for inspecting education settings.

Statutory Framework

As per the 2019 regulations, all primary schools are required to deliver Relationships Education. This includes:

1. Being taught about families, including different types of families, and the importance of healthy relationships.
2. Understanding the impact of peer influence and the importance of consent.
3. Identifying the characteristics of healthy relationships including respecting others and understanding personal boundaries.
4. Exploring the changes that occur during puberty and the basic facts about human reproduction.

Aims and Objectives

• To promote understanding of safe, healthy relationships, and to cultivate respect and empathy for others.
• To equip pupils with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and to manage their relationships effectively.
• To support the emotional wellbeing of our students, fostering resilience and safety in their interpersonal interactions.

Teaching Content

We have chosen SCARF as our PSHE resource because the lessons build upon children’s prior learning; we have assessed the content and feel that it is relevant and sensitive to the needs of the children. There is planned progression across the SCARF scheme of work, so that children are increasingly and appropriately challenged as they move up through the school. Assessment is completed by the class teacher using half termly checks, alongside the lesson plan learning outcomes to demonstrate progression of both skills and knowledge.

We follow the six suggested half termly units and adapt the scheme of work where necessary to meet the local circumstances of our school, for example, we may use our local environment as the starting point for aspects of our work. The Rep Squad are also consulted as part of our planning, to ensure pupil voice in considered and fed into the planned programme.

Primary Phase (KS1 and KS2)

1. Me and my relationships
   1. Understanding family structures and roles.
   2. Discussing the importance of stability and representation in different family dynamics.
2. Valuing differences
   1. Recognising the attributes of friendships and what makes a good friend.
   2. Exploring conflict resolution and effective communication skills.
   3. Promoting respect for differences in individuals and relationships.
3. Puberty and Growing Up
   1. Teaching about the changes that occur during puberty, including physical and emotional changes.
   2. Providing a basic understanding of human reproduction within an age-appropriate context.
   3. Establishing the importance of personal boundaries and consent.

4. Keeping Safe
   1. Identifying safe and unsafe situations and how to seek help.
   2. Understanding online safety and the importance of accessing information responsibly.

Delivery of RSE

• Approach:
  • RSE is embedded within our PSHE offer, with lessons integrated into the PSHE curriculum and complemented by relevant subjects such as science, ethics, and citizenship, supported by the Coram Life Education Long Term Planning document.
  • We ensure the teaching delivered by external visitors reflects the school's values and ethos, fitting with our planned programme through clear and regular communication with the Life Education team.
  • Lessons will be engaging, interactive, and tailored to the age and developmental stage of the pupils.
• Resources:
  • Utilising a range of age-appropriate resources including literature, multimedia, and guest speakers when necessary.
• Professional Development:
  • Continuous training for staff through workshops, external training, and collaborations with health professionals to ensure confident and informed delivery of RSE.

Parental Engagement

• Consultation:
  • The school will actively engage with parents and guardians during the formulation and application of the RSE policy.
  • Regular updates will be provided to inform parents of the content being taught and opportunities for parental workshops will be offered.
• Right to Withdraw:
  • Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the sex education component of the curriculum, except for the biological aspects of human reproduction which are part of the National Curriculum Science. Procedures for doing so will be clearly stated.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• RSE will be regularly evaluated through feedback from pupils, parents, and staff.
• The subject leader will report annually to the Headteacher and governing body on the effectiveness of the RSE programme, recommending improvements when necessary.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually in consultation with stakeholders, including staff, parents, and pupils, to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Summary of Expectations by Ofsted

The Ofsted framework emphasises the importance of a well-structured RSE policy that provides pupils with relevant knowledge about healthy relationships, mental and physical health. Schools must provide safeguarding measures, promote inclusivity, and offer a curriculum that reflects the diversity of society. The school will:

• Deliver RSE effectively in line with statutory obligations and guidance.
• Enable learners to develop the skills needed for life in modern Britain, ensuring discussions are respectful and inclusive.
• Work collaboratively with parents and communities to support the educational experience.

Approval: This policy is approved and adopted by the Governing Body on 6^th July 2025
Next Review Date: July 2026