Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that Personal, Social, Health and Economic education in schools includes specific teaching on racism, sexism and gender equality across all state schools.

We are making sure that all children in England learn about respectful relationships, in person and online, as part of mandatory relationships, sex and health education (RSHE). The curriculum has a strong focus on equality, respect, the harmful impact of stereotyping, as well as the importance of valuing difference. Further guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education.

Pupils should learn about the law relating to the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and sex by the end of their secondary education.

Relationships education should ensure that pupils understand the importance of treating others with respect, including those who differ in their choices, preferences or beliefs. Pupils should be taught to recognise and understand bullying, including the use of derogatory language and how stereotypes and prejudiced attitudes, including misogyny, can cause harm, and equip them to recognise and challenge such behaviours.