Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

This week the Department for Education (DfE) issued an update on the position of statutory Relationships Education, Sex Education and Health Education from September 2020, considering the impact of coronavirus and school closures. 

Here is the full statement:

DfE_Communication to schools on the implementation of RSHE_June 2020

Download (76KB - PDF)

Key points;

• The statutory requirement to provide Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) is still in place from September 2020, and schools should continue to prepare for this date where possible.
• However, some flexibility has been granted due to coronavirus and closures; schools who are not in a position to implement fully from September 2020 now have until the Summer term (2021) to do so.
• In such cases, the DfE suggests a phased approach to ensure teaching begins as soon as possible, and that schools should consider prioritising curriculum content on mental health and wellbeing, as supporting their own and others’ wellbeing will be important for pupils as they return to school (the Healthy Learning, Healthy Lives programme can support with this).  
• Schools should also note that if not done so already, the time up to Summer Term 2021 includes engaging parents on the schools policy as well as planning curriculum provision.

We know from the evidence submitted for the Healthy Learning, Healthy Lives award, that many schools already have a high quality PSHE programme. This will be more important than ever, to support the health and wellbeing of children and young people, following the impacts of coronavirus and school closures.  

A reminder that the Primary RSHE Curriculum that has been purchased by Doncaster Council is now available for schools to access (in draft), and we are the anticipating secondary curriculum (in draft) to be available in the coming weeks.

The team have also produced a policy guidance document to support schools develop or review their RSE policy. Additional useful information for schools to prepare for statutory RSHE is also available.

The Healthy Learning, Healthy Lives team will continue to support Doncaster schools, to offer your pupils the best help you can during this time of greater need, and beyond, and to meet the statutory requirements. If you have any further questions please get in touch.