The government’s lack of support on statutory PSHE and SRE in schools, particularly in relation to sex education, has been labelled “feeble”.
Chair of the House of Commons Education Committee, Neil Carmichael, said: “The response made by the government is…disappointing.
“The inquiry found the government’s strategy for improving PSHE and sex and relationships education in schools to be weak. Yet there is nothing in this response to reassure Parliament – or young people – that the situation will now improve. Ministers know that PSHE requires improvement in 40% of schools, yet they appear to see no urgency in tackling this.”
The initial report, entitled “Life lessons: PSHE and SRE in schools” reports that young people consider the sex and relationship education they receive “inadequate”, and that this type of education is vital in terms of safeguarding young people and “instil[ling] the principle of consent that will protect young people as they grow up.” The report argues that SRE is especially important for vulnerable children, LGBT children and those with special educational needs.
The report is just one of the many statements of support for making PSHE and SRE compulsory; opposition party MPs including the Green party’s Caroline Lucas and Labour’s Yvette Cooper have this year called for statutory PSHE. Further, 90% of parents believe it should be mandatory, along with 92% of young people and 88% of teachers.
Mr Carmichael accused the government of “sidestepping” the report’s recommendations and calls from MPs and the public to make PSHE and SRE statutory.
At NCFE we believe education should not only prepare young people for their future careers, but also their lives. Equipping your pupils with knowledge around issues including sexual health, stress and personal safety gives them the confidence to deal with any situations they might face growing up. We have a suite of awareness qualifications designed to improve young people’s life skills in these areas and prepare them for life outside of education.
What are your thoughts on PSHE and SRE? Do you believe they should be made compulsory? Are you delivering them and if not, what are the barriers you face?
