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RSE policy development

Last updated on 04 October 2023

Schools must have a clear RSE policy which is published on the website.

DfE: Plan your relationships, sex and health curriculum

The DfE guidance states:

All schools must have in place a written policy for Relationships Education and RSE. Schools must consult parents in developing and reviewing their policy. Schools should ensure that the policy meets the needs of pupils and parents and reflects the community they serve.’

The policy must also:

  • contain a definition of Relationships Education or a definition of Relationships and Sex Education as appropriate
  • provide an overview of subject content, how it is taught and who is responsible for teaching it.
  • describe how the subject is assessed and monitored.
  • include information to clarify why parents do not have a right to withdraw their child from Relationships Education
  • provide a clear definition of any sex education that is delivered within the Relationships Education curriculum
  • include information about a parent’s right to request that their child be excused from sex education as defined above (there is no right to excuse a child from any element of the science curriculum).
  • confirm the date by which the policy will be reviewed.

The HFL Wellbeing Advisers offer consultancy support to help policy writing. 

Last updated on 04 October 2023