We have recently been reviewing our approach to relationships and sex education (RSE) across the school. As part of this, we have reviewed our RSE policy, aspects of the curriculum and the resources we use. Before this is finalised, we would like to share this with you and give you the opportunity to give your views and ask any questions.

Schools are legally obliged to teach relationships and health education and the content of this is defined by the Department for Education. Here at Sutton Bonington we teach this through PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) sessions which are delivered through directly taught sessions, class discussions and assemblies. Our overall PSHE curriculum is based on an approach recommended by the PSHE Association which is broken down into nine themes across the year. More information about this can be found by clicking here.

It is not compulsory for primary schools to teach sex education beyond what is covered in the statutory National Curriculum for Science and in the statutory DFE Relationships and Health Education guidance. However, at Sutton Bonington we believe it is important to teach aspects of sex education which include how babies are conceived and a more in-depth study of the changes that occur during puberty. While we have not made any changes to the content of our curriculum, we have reviewed the resources that we use to teach sex education and again, we would like to share these with you.

Below you will be able to find:

• Draft RSE policy (including details of how pupils can be withdrawn from sex education);
• A summary of what we believe are the key aspects of the sex and health education curriculum across the school - these are covered in Year 2 and Years 4, 5 and 6 through the ‘growing and changing’ strand of our PSHE curriculum;
• Sample copies of the resources that will be used;
• Statutory Department for Education Relationships and Health Education Guidance.

We are keen to hear your views on our approach to RSE as well as answer any questions you may have. Please do have a look at the website and the resources we have shared and if you would like to get in touch, please do arrange to come and speak to me or email consultation@suttonbonington.notts.sch.uk by Friday 19^th April 2024. Your views are important to us.

Thank you