From September 2020, all primary schools will be required to teach Relationships Education. They will also be required to teach Health Education. Secondary schools will be required to teach Relationships Education and Sex Education.
The legislation makes it clear that all schools should approach RSHE in a faith sensitive and inclusive way, seeking to explain fairly the tenets and varying interpretations of religious communities on matters of sex and relationships and teach these viewpoints with respect. The Church of England Education Office supports the approach taken by the government, including recommending an age-appropriate provision of sex education at primary level, and has issued a Charter which they hope schools of all foundations, faiths or otherwise will sign up to as they affirm the broad principles about how RSHE is taught.
The Charter is accompanied by guidance, given to help dioceses and schools as they develop policy in this area. Based in the principles established by the Church of England’s Pastoral Advisory Group which has set out some principles for living well together with difference and diversity and in Valuing All God’s Children, They have developed the following documents:
- Relationships and Sex Education Principles and Charter
- Suggested format for parents' meetings with associated resources
- Suggested policy template
You can find these documents below and on the Church of England Website here: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/education-and-schools/church-schools-and-academies/relationships-sex-and-health-education
In addition the Diocese of York has produced a more detailed policy template that can be found below.