Sex education
Teaching about intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health - training module
Subject leads can use the adaptable slides and ‘activities and templates for trainers’ section at the end of this module to help shape training sessions for teachers. This non-statutory training module supplements the statutory guidance below on teaching about intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health, which schools should read in full. Schools can choose whether and how to follow or adapt this training module and should refer to the Early Career Framework for pedagogical guidance.
DfE: Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education statutory guidance
Sexual health guidance
This guidance is for all professionals working with young people in Hertfordshire. It contains information on how to talk to young people about sex and relationships, including how to deal with common issues such as STIs, pregnancy, contraception, sex and the law, confidentiality, sexuality and relationships concerns.
It also contains links to sexual health services in Hertfordshire, so you can make young people aware of the services available to them and be sure you are signposting young people to the right help at the right time.
Understand how to correctly use a condom by watching the condom demonstration film:
Be aware of local services provided by Sexual Health Hertfordshire:
and national websites offering support and information on all sorts of relevant topics. They also serve as a useful guide for teachers preparing to teach teenagers about sex and relationships education.
When covering STIs, be sure not to use shock tactics (research says young people do not learn effectively using shock tactics) and make it clear that not all STIs have any symptoms at all, such as Chlamydia. Emphasize that condoms offer greatest protection from STIs but that any form of sexual activity carries risks and that local clinics provide testing for STIs.
NHS: Condoms - Your contraception guide
NHS: Sexual health - STI symptoms that need checking
Be familiar with on-line STI and HIV testing services for those 16 years and over :
Know where local information and support is available on HIV:
Excellent sources of information on sexual health can also be found on national websites so that you can refresh your knowledge prior to a lesson.
In terms of emergency contraception, it is important to view the information on key websites, such as Sexual Health Hertfordshire to ensure that you are familiar with the latest developments. It is vitally important that young people understand where to go to access emergency contraception in the event of contraceptive failure or lack of use.
Find local pharmacies in their area that provide emergency hormonal contraception, chlamydia testing and treatment using:
Sexual Health in Hertfordshire – what services do they offer?:
- the local sexual health service is called Sexual Health Hertfordshire
- to obtain a free online STI test (16 years and over) contact:
SH:24 - know the different methods of contraception available including long-acting reversible contraception by visiting and watching the online film:
HCC: FYI Contraception - For guidance on how to use a condom, view the video in class: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/condoms
- To further your knowledge ready to teach about the different forms of contraception see:
Sexwise
See the resources on the Grid:
HfL staff provide pupil, teacher and parent workshops on keeping safer online. Please contact the team through: wellbeing@hfleducation.org
CEOP Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency have created a wealth of advice, support, lesson plans and materials to support the teaching of CSE, online safety, grooming, sexting, pornography etc.
Videos available to support ThinkUKnow lessons: