Relationships and Health Education (RHE)

The Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education (England) Regulations 2019, made under sections 34 and 35 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017, made Relationships Education compulsory for all pupils receiving primary education and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) compulsory for all pupils receiving secondary education. The regulations also made Health Education compulsory in all state-funded schools. [assets.pub...ice.gov.uk], [legislation.gov.uk]

At St Clare's Catholic Primary School, Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) is taught as part of a broader Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum. This enables us to promote the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of our pupils, both at school and within society.

We have chosen Life to the Full, provided by Ten Ten, to deliver our RSHE curriculum. These resources are approved by the Diocese of Shrewsbury. The programme enables us to teach RSHE in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. It emphasises the importance of family life while recognising that all pupils have a fundamental right to have their lives respected, whatever their family background or household circumstances. Support is provided to help pupils understand and respect different experiences and values.

Through its programme, Ten Ten recognises the foundational role parents play in educating and nurturing their children in these matters. Resources are available to keep parents informed about what is being taught and to encourage discussion, activity and prayer at home. The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the first educators of their children, and that schools work in partnership with parents in the education of their children.

We are keen that parents and carers of pupils at St Clare's can access the resources used in school. We consult regularly with parents to ensure that we continue to work in effective partnership.

Current Department for Education guidance states that the focus of Relationships Education in primary schools should be on teaching the fundamental building blocks and characteristics of positive relationships, with particular reference to friendships, family relationships and relationships with other children and adults. The Life to the Full programme fully supports this guidance and is complemented by resources from the PSHE Association as part of our wider PSHE curriculum.