Social policy charity CARE is concerned about Sex and Relationship Education announcement made by Schools Secretary, Ed Balls.

On 23 October 23 last year the Government announced, without any consultation with parents, that Sex and Relationship Education would be placed on the National Curriculum and made available to children from 5 years and upwards.¹ Parents then protested, and a petition was launched on the Downing Street website.

 It was subsequently announced that government would ask parents whether they felt placing Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) on the National Curriculum was a good idea through a consultation launched on 30 April this year.²

However, the government has now reiterated its initial decision (6 November), even whilst publishing a document showing the responses to that consultation, and the fact that 68 per cent of consultees are opposed to placing SRE on the National Curriculum.³

 At the same time the Government has also announced its decision to remove the right of parental withdrawal from SRE for children 15 years and over, even though a huge 79 per cent of consultees said the right to withdraw should remain in place.⁴

 Dan Boucher, CARE's Director of Parliamentary Affairs, said, ‘We are very concerned about this announcement, given the failure of government to respond to the consultation. It is rather chilling that such clear opposition should have been so readily dismissed.’

On the parental right of withdrawal, he continued, ‘Children remain children until they are 18. The arbitrary introduction of 15 is completely at odds with the rights of parents in Article 2 of the Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.' This states: 

 'No person shall be denied the right to education. In the exercise of any functions which it assumes in relation to education and to teaching, the State shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education and teaching in conformity with their own religious and philosophical convictions.'

 Chief Executive Nola Leach concluded ‘While we are pleased that the new statement stresses the fact that schools will be given the flexibility to unpack the curriculum in practice, the processing of the consultation leaves a great deal to be desired. It remains very unclear precisely how this crucial flexibility will be delivered.'

Notes to Editors

1. All Pupils to Get Healthy Lifestyle Lessons 23 October 2008 http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2008_0235

3. Curriculum Reform Consultation Report http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/news/images/userfiles/file/_PSHE_education_final_report_(word).doc

4. Curriculum Reform Consultation Report http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/news/images/userfiles/file/_PSHE_education_final_report_(word).doc