Teachers play a vital role in the academic progress and development of children and young people. It is important that teachers are supported appropriately so that they can help each student to realise their full potential.
This page is informed by questions raised by teachers from different parts of Wales, with me, in the months leading up to and following changes to the curriculum.
Are teachers properly equipped to deliver the new RSE curriculum?
It is important that teachers receive clear guidance and support to enable them to assess what is and is not suitable for inclusion in RSE lessons and at what stage. This is especially important given that there is a large amount of teaching materials and training providers available to teachers in Wales.
However, some teachers have reported that:
- They do not have the information they need to choose partner organisations
- They do not have the guidance to select appropriate learning materials for use in RSE
- Their own Education Authority is unable to answer questions as they are also seeking guidance from Welsh government
Contact your local MS and/or MP, in confidence, if you are not receiving the help you need.
How can I ensure proper and effective safeguarding of children and young people?
All teachers agree that appropriate child safeguarding should be at the forefront of RSE. For this reason, it is important that teaching is developmentally and age appropriate.
The school curriculum, and all external input into it, should maintain the highest standard of safeguarding and protections to ensure the wellbeing of all children is upheld. There has been considerable debate on precisely this matter in England (as of summer/autumn 2023).
The relevant legislation in England (Sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996) is also included in the adopted Welsh legislation. It requires that topics taught, materials covered and external organisations used must also be objective and impartial to promote the effective academic progress of all students.
What is "developmentally appropriate" for students?
RSE Guidance requires teachers to account for a range of factors:
- The age and maturity of each learner
- Any additional learning needs of the learner
- The psychological and emotional development of the learner
These illustrate the importance of parental involvement in these decisions and discussions. However, the current statutory guidance states that these are to be determined at the teacher’s discretion.
As a result, teachers in Wales have expressed concerns about:
- Their role in the delivery of RSE
- Their capacity to decide what is and is not developmentally appropriate for their students.
Together, these potentially pose a significant challenge in practice, as the needs and maturity of individual students will vary across the classroom. If you have any concerns or questions then speak with your Principal and/or contact your MS and/or MP in confidence.
More information about RSE and FAQs.
More information for parents and carers.
More information for governors.
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This page was updated on: 30th October 2023.
