Parents have right to see sex education content, says minister

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has told English schools that parents have a right to view the sex education material which is being taught.

Parents can take home material if they are unable to attend a presentation in school or access a parent portal.

It comes as the government is due to launch a public consultation into the Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum.

The subject has been compulsory in schools since September 2020.

In primary schools, pupils must be taught "key building blocks of healthy, respectful relationships" as part of the national curriculum.

Pupils at secondary schools "should be taught the facts and the law about sex, sexuality, sexual health and gender identity in an age-appropriate and inclusive way", according to official guidelines.

Schools are allowed to invite external agencies to teach classes on these subjects, if safeguarding rules are followed. But guidance states external groups "should enhance and not replace" teaching by school staff.

In her letter, Ms Keegan said she wanted to "debunk the copyright myth that parents cannot see what their children are being taught".

Tanya Carter, of the Safe Schools Alliance, said the directive is "too little too late".

Calling for a public inquiry into how RSHE has been taught in schools, Ms Carter said it is "yet another letter which activist teachers will feel free to ignore".

Geoff Barton, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said clarification over copyright law is helpful and agreed that transparency on RSHE materials is key, pointing out schools generally share that information on request.

Mr Barton also said that sending the letter while many schools are on their half-term break "is slightly odd".

"Unfortunately, there has been no prior discussion ahead of this letter. If the government had spoken to the sector in advance of this statement, we might have been able to resolve the practical difficulties it raises."

Lucy Emmerson, chief executive of the Sex Education Forum, said it has championed "meaningful engagement between schools and parents" and believes parents are largely supportive of RSHE lessons.

"Regular communication between school and home helps parents anticipate what is being covered. When schools and parents work together, the benefits of RSHE are greatest."

She added: "We want everyone involved in the delivery of RSHE to have confidence in these lessons."

Parents of pupils at Sacred Heart R.C. Primary school in Bolton said they appreciate the openness and transparency teachers have with them.

Carly said she has full confidence in the school teaching RSE, adding that it's all based on fact.