What is presented below is guidance based upon the principles of good practice set out in the Sex and Relationship Education Guidance - DfEE July 2000 and support material from the National Healthy School Standard Team - May 2001. DfEE (DfES) Guidance is available from DfES Publications - ref 0116/2000.

What are Schools Required to do?

Aim 1: The school curriculum should aim to provide opportunities for all pupils to learn and achieve.

Aim 2: The school curriculum should aim to promote pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare all pupils for the opportunities and responsibilities of life.

Good Practice

It is strongly recommended that schools place SRE within a whole school PSHEE and Citizenship programme.

A whole school approach to PSHEE is central to achieving the above aims. Schools should be aware that parents have the right to withdraw their child from those aspects of SRE not included in the NC Science Order. The school will need to have procedures in place should parents decide to withdraw their child from some aspect of SRE, outside NC Science.

The Policy

Background & Context

A brief description of the type of school and the nature of the community it serves. This may include the age range, cultural, ethnic and social mix of the school and its community. It is also appropriate here to place the school policy within a national context including how it is in line with Teenage Pregnancy Strategy objectives. The school may set out here its commitment to the health and well-being of its pupils.

The Aims of SRE

Link the aims of SRE to the aims of the school and the broad aims of the NC (2000). You may decide to include elements of the following taken from Sex and Relationship Education Guidance DfEE 0116/2000, and adapt to fit the needs of your school.

• Effective sex and relationship education does not encourage early sexual experimentation. It should teach young people to understand human sexuality and to respect themselves and others. It enables young people to mature, to build up their confidence and self-esteem and understanding the reasons for delaying sexual activity. It builds up knowledge and skills which are particularly important today because of the many different and conflicting pressures on young people.
• The role of a school's governing body and head teacher in the determination of a school's policy is crucial. The governing body, in consultation with parents, will be able to develop policies which reflect the parents' wishes and the community they serve. This guidance also sets out advice on how schools can set in place arrangements so pupils can be protected from inappropriate teaching and materials.

How Will the Aims be Achieved?

Statement explaining how SRE is incorporated into the whole school PSHEE and Citizenship programme and supports or is supported by SRE in Science.

The Needs of Pupils

The SRE programme is tailored to the age, physical and emotional maturity, gender and cultural and social needs of pupils. Include here how the school ensures vulnerable pupils needs are met. Are the views of pupils built into the development of the programme? Involving pupils is especially important in high schools.

Teaching and Learning Styles

Teaching methods take into account the differing needs of pupils and include a variety of styles and approaches. Give examples.

Resources support the delivery of the learning outcomes and are appropriate to the age, maturity, gender and ability of the pupils. They are inclusive of a range of cultural and religious backgrounds and sexual orientations. Give examples.

Continued ...