I take teaching in schools very seriously, and have recently been lobbying the Government with regards to teaching climate change and first aid in schools. I feel similarly strongly about PHSE and SRE education.
I recently voted in support of Caroline Lucas’ 10 minute rule bill to make PHSE statutory for the curriculum, because I believe appropriate PSHE is important for children's development and preparation for responsible adult life. I am assured that Ministers want to make significant progress on this issue in the next few years, and as the Government's response to a recent select committee report makes clear, they are fully considering this issue and will report back later this year.
It is clear that all schools should teach PSHE, drawing on good practice to enable children to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. To allow teachers the flexibility to deliver high-quality PSHE education, it is a non-statutory subject, and there is no specified programme of study. I believe that teachers are best placed to understand the needs of their pupils and do not need additional central prescription.
However, sex and relationship education (SRE) is compulsory in maintained secondary schools, and primary teachers may judge whether to teach it to primary children in later years. SRE must always be appropriate for the children concerned, in view of their age and religious and cultural background. Schools are required to have regard to the Secretary of State's statutory guidance which makes clear that SRE should ensure young people develop positive values and a moral framework that will guide their decisions, judgments and behaviour.
PSHE is exceptionally important, and I am very pleased that Ministers are determined to improve consistency and quality. Although teachers decide what is right for their students, Government guidance outlines that PSHE must equip pupils with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions.
High quality PSHE can include teaching about consent in relationships to help children stay safe and to avoid inappropriate or harmful experiences. It may also include topics such as bullying, first aid, violence against women, female genital mutilation, mental health, "honour" violence and life skills.