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<p>We want to support all young people to be happy, healthy and safe. We also want
to equip them for adult life and to make a positive contribution to society. We are
making Relationships Education compulsory for primary school-age pupils, Relationships
and Sex Education (RSE) compulsory for secondary school-age pupils and Health Education
compulsory for pupils in all state-funded schools from September 2020.</p><p>Whilst
it is important that the statutory duty to teach the new subject still comes into
force in September, given the current circumstances faced by schools, the department
will reassure schools that there will be some flexibility. Schools that are prepared
to teach the subjects should begin teaching from September 2020. Schools that are
not ready to teach the subjects should aim to start preparations as soon as possible
and begin teaching no later than the start of the summer term in 2021.</p><p>The department
is committed to supporting schools in their preparations and is currently developing
a new online service featuring innovative training materials, an implementation guide,
case studies and support to access resources. This support will cover all of the teaching
requirements in the statutory guidance and will be inclusive to all pupils. This will
be available in the summer term, with additional content added in the following months.
Training will also be available for schools that need additional support. This will
complement the online training materials and will be available through existing teaching
schools’ regional networks.</p><p>As part of the consultation on the draft regulations
and statutory guidance, the department included a number of questions on school support
and implementation. The responses to the consultation, including from expert organisations
and teachers, demonstrated that teachers want to receive training to support the delivery
of the new subjects. The government response to the consultation can be accessed via
the following link: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/780768/Government_Response_to_RSE_Consultation.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/780768/Government_Response_to_RSE_Consultation.pdf</a>.</p><p>The
department has also been working extensively with teachers, schools and subject experts
throughout the development of these subjects, to assess the needs of schools. We have
also been working closely with over 1,500 early adopter schools. This has informed
our investment in a central package to help all schools to increase the confidence
and quality of their teaching practice in these subjects.</p><p>In all schools, the
religious background of all pupils must be taken into account when planning teaching,
so that the topics that are included in the core content listed in the statutory guidance
are appropriately handled. Schools must ensure they comply with the relevant provisions
of the Equality Act 2010. The statutory guidance can be accessed via the following
link: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/805781/Relationships_Education__Relationships_and_Sex_Education__RSE__and_Health_Education.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/805781/Relationships_Education__Relationships_and_Sex_Education__RSE__and_Health_Education.pdf</a>.</p><p>Ofsted’s
school inspection handbook sets out that inspectors will consider the provision for
Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education as
part of a wider judgment of pupils’ personal development. Routine Ofsted school inspections
are currently suspended in order to alleviate pressure on school leaders and staff
at this challenging time, and there are no plans to lift the suspension this term.
When routine inspections do re-start, inspectors will be sensitive to, and will take
account of, the context and circumstances of schools. Further information on this
will be made available in advance of any re-introduction of routine inspections.</p>
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