NAHT calls for PSHE to be statutory to support RSE

School-leaders union the NAHT is calling for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education to be made statutory for all pupils and in all schools to support the successful and effective delivery of relationships and sex education (RSE).

The Children and Social Work Act, which was passed earlier this year, will introduce ‘relationships education’ in all primaries, and ‘relationships and sex’ education in all secondary schools from 2019.

The NAHT believes that it is important for young people of all ages to be taught about appropriate relationships, and believes RSE is best fulfilled as part of statutory PSHE.

In NAHT’s recent survey, more than 90 per cent of respondents said they believe PSHE and RSE should have the same status as other subjects. It revealed that school leaders believe PSHE and RSE are important and they want to teach them well. But to do this, they need to be given access to the tools that enable them to deliver the high-quality learning experience their pupils deserve, including training for teachers, better parental understanding and support, and access to high-quality resources.

The NAHT has said it will pursue members calls for PSHE to be made statutory - for all pupils and in all schools - and to the same timescales as RSE.