Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the consultation on changes to teaching of sex and relationship education, and PSHE, published on 19 December 2017, was sent to (a) parents and (b) guardians.

Between December 2017 and February 2018, the Department for Education undertook a call for evidence on Relationships Education in primary schools and Relationships and Sex Education in secondary schools, alongside a consideration of Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education. This sought views from parents and carers; teachers and other school staff; children and young people; and other interested parties.

The Department used a range of media channels to raise awareness and encourage participation from parents and other interest groups. In addition, the Department met with representative groups as part of the wider engagement process, including the Parent-Teacher Association and Mumsnet.

The findings of the call for evidence and wider engagement process will support development of regulations and statutory guidance on the subjects. These will be subject to a full consultation before the regulations are laid in Parliament for debate.