Dear parents and carers
From September 2020, schools have been legally required to teach Relationships and Health Education. You can read about these changes in this DfE guide for parents here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-sex-and-health-education-guides-for-schools
The DfE also strongly encourages primary schools to deliver sex education to help prepare children for their transition to secondary school. This new guidance is simply about ensuring that all children get the information they need and want. The lessons will help children to learn about their bodies including the changes that take place at puberty, and will help keep them safe, so they can form healthy relationships (friendships) with others, now and in the future. We believe that it is important that children are taught about puberty in a timely, age-appropriate manner so that they already have a good understanding when these changes affect their own bodies.
RSE at Minerva Primary School
At Minerva Primary School, we are using the leading children’s health and wellbeing charity, Coram Life Education (CLE) to support us in meeting these legal requirements through their online SCARF teaching resources. More information about Coram Life Education and SCARF can be found on their website: www.coramlifeeducation.org.uk
On the school website, you will find our Relationships and Sex Education Policy for you to read. The SCARF resources ensure that we deliver a full Personal, Social and Health Education curriculum which builds appropriately year on year. There are six units taught throughout the academic year: ‘Me and My Relationships’, ‘Valuing Difference’, ‘Keeping Myself Safe’, ‘Rights and Responsibilities’, ‘Being My Best’ and ‘Growing and Changing’.
‘Growing and Changing’ is the module which covers the Sex Education element of RSE and will be taught this term: Summer 2.
The importance of a good RSE curriculum
Good RSE teaching is a protective factor when it comes to safeguarding children.
Research now shows that children with better health (including mental health) and wellbeing are likely to achieve better academically. By learning about positive relationships, respect for themselves and others, and behaving appropriately and safely online, they are better able to enjoy their friendships and therefore focus at school.
We recognise that parents play a vital part in their child’s RSE, and we encourage you to discuss these themes with your child at home as well. If further advice or support is required, or if you have any questions about the programme or would like to view the resources, please don’t hesitate to speak to your child’s class teacher.
Yours faithfully,
Mr Gareth Nation
Principal
