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<p>From September 2020 in England, Relationships Education became compulsory for all
primary school-aged pupils, Relationships and Sex Education became compulsory for
all secondary school-aged pupils, and Health Education became compulsory for all pupils
in state-funded schools.</p><p> </p><p>The statutory guidance for Health Education
sets out content on drugs, alcohol and tobacco use. This guidance is available at:
<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>
</p><p>To support implementation, the department published a teacher training module
on drugs, alcohol and tobacco as part of a wider suite of teacher training materials.
This is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-training-drugs-alcohol-and-tobacco"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-training-drugs-alcohol-and-tobacco</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>The department does not direct schools on which resources, external speakers
or organisations to use, and the department does not endorse or promote resources
to schools other than those produced by other government departments. The ‘Relationships
and Sex Education and Health Education’ guidance is, however, clear that all materials
used should be age appropriate and factual.</p><p> </p><p>The department is currently
reviewing the RSHE statutory guidance. The review has been informed by an independent
expert panel to advise my right. Hon friend, the Secretary of State for Education,
on the introduction of age limits for sensitive subjects.</p><p> </p><p>In March 2023,
the Secretary of State for Education also wrote to schools to remind them that copyright
law does not prevent them from sharing external resources with parents. In October
2023, the Secretary of State 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. A copy of the Secretary of State’s letter to schools about sharing
curriculum resources with parents is available here: <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>
</p><p>A draft of the amended guidance will be published for consultation as soon
as possible.</p><p>It is for further education colleges to determine what material
they use to support the health and wellbeing of students.</p><p>Higher education providers
in England are autonomous and independent and they make decisions on the courses that
they will run. In making these decisions providers will adapt their offers to the
interest of students and demand from employers. The department cannot therefore comment
on their choices.</p>
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