Schools: Sex and Relationships Education

Debate between Lord Clarke of Hampstead and Lord Hill of Oareford

Monday 24th October 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

I am not sure that I can provide an easy answer to that, other than to say that practices vary from country to country in all sorts of different ways.

[Lord Clarke of Hampstead]

My Lords, is the Minister aware that many parents are concerned about the teaching of sex and relationships education to very young children and that sometimes the children are too young to understand these subjects? Do the Government have any plans to force sex education on to the national curriculum, and does the Minister think that it is teachers who should decide whether such things are taught in their schools?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

My Lords, of course I am aware of the sensitivities around this issue, and I agree with the noble Lord about the important role that parents play. Perhaps I may read from the guidance which the previous Government issued in 2000 and which is still in place. It is very clear on this matter:

“Schools should ensure that pupils are protected from teaching and materials which are inappropriate, having regard to the age and cultural background of the pupils concerned. Governors and head teachers should discuss with parents and take on board concerns raised, both on materials which are offered to schools and on sensitive material to be used in the classroom”.

That seems very clear and it is absolutely right. We are not proposing any change to the current legislation on sex education or to make the whole of PSHE statutory.