Sex Education

At Millbrook Primary School and Nursery, we define Sex Education in accordance with the DFE’s Statutory Guidance on Relationship Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education (page 23-24).

The Relationships Education, RSE, and Health Education (England) Regulations 2019 have made Relationships Education compulsory in all primary schools. Sex education is not compulsory in primary schools. At Millbrook Primary School and Nursery, Sex Education is taught in addition to the content taught to pupils’ through Health Education and Science. 

The national curriculum for science includes subject content in related areas, such as the main external body parts, the human body as it grows from birth to old age (including puberty) and reproduction in some plants and animals. Health Education includes subject content in relation to menstruation, physical health and mental wellbeing. Science and Health Education are compulsory, and parents/carers may not withdraw their children from these subjects.

At Millbrook Primary School and Nursery, Sex Education is delivered through a sex education programme tailored to the age and the physical and emotional maturity of the pupils it is being taught to. It ensures that both boys and girls are prepared for the changes that adolescence brings and - draws on knowledge of the human life cycle set out in the national curriculum for science - how a baby is conceived and born.

As Sex Education is compulsory at Secondary School, it is important that by Year 6 pupils are well informed and prepared so that their secondary school may support their ongoing emotional and physical development effectively.

Before Sex Education is taught to pupils, we will consult with parents and carers about the detailed content of what will be taught in each session. This will include offering parents support in talking to their children about sex education and how to link this with what is being taught in school. At Millbrook Primary School and Nursery, we have ensured that the teaching materials are appropriate and have regard to the age, ability and religious and cultural backgrounds of our pupils. However, parents and carers are invited to view the teaching materials and discuss the delivery of content with the school.

Relationship and Sex Education is about:

• the emotional, social and cultural development of pupils, and involves learning about relationships including respect for and understanding of different types of families, puberty, equality and diversity and personal identity.
• respect for one another
• supporting pupils understanding of what it means to feel safe.
• sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity, and personal identity.
• the accurate sharing of information, in an age-appropriate way.

RSE involves a combination of sharing information and exploring issues and values.

RSE is not about the promotion of sexual activity or the promotion of living a certain way of life.