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<p>Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England
only.</p><p>Health education has been compulsory for all pupils in state-funded schools
in England from September 2020, alongside relationships education for all primary
pupils and relationships and sex education (RSE) for all secondary pupils. The statutory
guidance sets out that pupils will be taught about the importance of good physical
health and mental wellbeing to ensure they have the information that they need in
order to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing. The statutory guidance
for the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum is here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education</a>.</p><p>The
RSHE statutory guidance states that by the end of primary school pupils should know
the facts and science relating to allergies, immunisation and vaccination. There is
also content relating to teaching about allergies in the RSHE teacher training module
on health and prevention, which is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-training-health-and-prevention"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-training-health-and-prevention.</a></p><p>Schools
are responsible for what they teach and for any resources they use. The department
does not direct schools on which resources, external speakers or organisations to
use, and it does not endorse or promote resources to schools other than those produced
by other government departments. The RSHE guidance is clear that all materials used
should be age appropriate and factual.</p><p>The department is currently reviewing
the RSHE statutory guidance. The review has been informed by an independent expert
panel to advise the Secretary of State for Education on the introduction of age limits
for sensitive subjects.</p><p>In March 2023, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of
State, also wrote to schools to remind them that copyright law does not prevent them
sharing external resources with parents. In October 2023, she wrote again to clarify
that any contractual clause that prevents schools from sharing materials is void and
unenforceable, and to provide practical advice on how to share materials with parents
in a way that is in line with copyright legislation. The department will ensure that
the updated guidance fully reflects this very clear position. The Secretary of State’s
letter can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secretary-of-state-letter-to-schools-about-sharing-curriculum-resources-with-parents"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secretary-of-state-letter-to-schools-about-sharing-curriculum-resources-with-parents</a>.</p><p>A
draft of the amended guidance will be published for consultation as soon as possible.</p>
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