Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education

Debate between Lord Morrow and Lord Agnew of Oulton

Monday 25th February 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

The Children and Social Work Act provided the Secretary of State with the power to make PSHE, and elements therein, mandatory in schools. This deals with some of the issues that the noble Lord raises. Regarding the latest changes to the guidance, we have included and clarified the values and personal traits that will give pupils the character to persevere, manage adversity and make a positive contribution to society. These items are very much embedded in the spirit of the document.

[Lord Morrow (DUP)]

My Lords, does the Minister accept that there is the potential within his Statement for undermining the authority of parents?

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

I have tried to reassure noble Lords that that is not the intention. We always recognise that parents should lead in this part of a child’s education, and are not intending to undermine that in any way.