Schools may be aware that the Secretary of State for Education recently released a second statement to schools regarding the sharing of curriculum materials with parents/carers, particularly when it comes to relationship, sex, and health education (RSHE).
It comes as the government is due to launch a public consultation into the RSHE curriculum. This subject has been compulsory in schools since September 2020. Did you know that 1decision has a dedicated Parent/Carer Zone on the website to help introduce parents/carers to our quality-assured materials? Within this area, your parents/carers will be able to review:
- Example video clips
- Knowledge organisers (Important: These feature the topics and terminology children will learn)
- Understanding RSHE guide download for parents/carers
- 1decision overviews
- Free resources to use with children at home
On average, it will take two hours for parents/carers to review the information, but following this introduction, you may find that some will want to explore more of the content.
WHAT SHOULD SCHOOLS DO IF PARENTS/CARERS HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
As a next step, the 1decision team would recommend that schools host an onsite session where parents can have a chance to review lesson content and watch longer versions of any videos that may be a cause for concern (typically Puberty and Conception), review activity worksheets, and ask any questions. By sharing the content, schools will be able to alleviate any fears parents and carers may have, and there will also likely be a reduced number of parents withdrawing their children from sex education lessons.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION:
Another option would be to deliver this session online. 1decision would suggest that schools record the session. This recording can then be shared with any parent/carer who may not be able to make a live online or in-person session. Using the suggestions above, every parent/carer can learn more about RSHE and ask any further questions in a controlled manner. These options will also reduce your staff's time answering questions and requests for information.
