Sex education guidance issued to primary and secondary teachers

Education staff in teaching jobs have been issued with guidance on implementing the government's new sex education programme.

The guidelines explain which aspects of the subject should be explained to specific age groups, with pupils to be taught where babies come from and the differences between boys and girls from the age of five.

It also suggests questions to be covered by teachers for certain pupil age categories, including: "What are the responsibilities of being a parent and what skills do I need?" and "What kinds of abuse could happen in relationships, including hurting feelings and violence?"

Seven-year old pupils will be informed about sex and domestic violence, while 11-year-olds will be taught about the importance of marriage, and teenagers will be educated about the implications of early parenthood.

Earlier this month, counselling service Relate reminded those in teaching jobs of the importance of providing children with balanced relationship advice to enable them to form lasting romantic and non-romantic connections throughout their lives.



Published On 26/01/2010