NI secondary schools given sex education class delivery guidance

Northern Ireland's post-primary schools have been given guidance on how to deliver classes on sex education.

They must teach about access to abortion and prevention of early pregnancy, under new regulations introduced last year.

The Department of Education (DoE) held a public consultation which would influence under what circumstances a pupil might be removed.

A total of 13,461 responses were received with over 25,000 comments.

Before the new policy, each school in Northern Ireland has been required to teach relationships and sex education (RSE) but the curriculum has been a matter for each school to decide, based on their school ethos.

That approach has previously been criticised by some experts, who have said it leads to "different and inconsistent learning experiences" for pupils.

However, the move by NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris means post-primaries would have to teach pupils about issues such as how to prevent a pregnancy, the legal right to an abortion in Northern Ireland and how relevant services may be accessed.

The guidance states a pupil in years eight, nine, 10 and 11 may be excused if a parent, who considers the education against their wishes, makes a written request to a school.

If a parent makes a request for their child in Year 12 to be removed from part or specified elements of the programme, it must be confirmed the pupil does not object to being excused.

The guidance also points to the social and emotional effects of being excluded, as well as the likelihood of a child hearing their peers' version of what was taught and discussed second-hand.

However it is noted that any detrimental effects may be mitigated if the parents propose delivering the specific education to their child at home instead.

The guidance further notes that the change to the curriculum made by the Northern Ireland secretary does not prevent teachers and pupils from discussing and commenting on the moral, ethical or spiritual issues which may arise in relation to matters such as abortion.

A Department of Education spokesperson said the guidance follows the wording in the regulations brought by Mr Heaton-Harris, and the ability to excuse pupils from receiving the education required is not the same as the rest of the UK.

BBC News NI understands that in England, a principal can override the wishes of the parent if they deem it necessary.

The Department of Education has also released a number of the comments made in the consultation.

One parent said: "It is vital that pupils are taught accurate and appropriate information regarding these topics.

"I believe that pupils absolutely should know how to prevent early pregnancy and access abortions."

A school leader commented: "Children are and should be just that - children.

"When we consider that they cannot vote until a certain age then why should being taught about such issues be any different?"

The highest number of responses were from parents at 47.16%, followed by members of the public at 32.48%.

The Education Authority will provide training for teachers and board of governors in respect of the new requirements. CCEA will also release documents to help address sensitive issues with pupils.

There is also guidance on external providers who would come in to help with RSE.

Teachers will have to co-design and participate in those lessons. The guidance states external providers shouldn't substitute teaching but should enhance or supplement it.

The school must also be satisfied with the quality of what is being brought into the classroom.

Dr Graham Gault, director of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) in Northern Ireland, said the department has engaged "very well" with unions when constructing the guidance.

But he added that the "proof would be in the pudding" in how easy and workable it is for parents and young people to decide not to access the lessons.

"I imagine there will be things that will need to be improved in the guidance over time and the department, I hope, will remain open to looking at that as time goes on," he told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme.

The Northern Ireland Secretary said he recognised that some parents may either wish to teach their child about sex education, or make alternative arrangements based on religion or age.

"The regulations therefore placed a duty on the Department of Education to ensure that a pupil may be withdrawn from education on sexual and reproductive health and rights or elements of that education, at the request of a parent," a statement said.