This page offers some background to the introduction of RSE ("Relationships and Sexuality Education") in Wales.
It contains answers to commonly asked questions that parents and teachers in Aberconwy have raised with me.
It is important that parents, teachers and governors are all included in the process of curriculum reform and receive appropriate information when changes occur.
Links are given to further information on the development and introduction of RSE in Wales.
Where did RSE come from?
A 2017 review of the Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) curriculum in Wales concluded that the curriculum needed significant reform. Recommendations were made by a select panel, and it was announced this area of study would change and become Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE).
‘Informing the Future of the Sex and Relationships Education Curriculum in Wales’ Report – informing-the-future-of-the-sex-and-relationships-education-curriculum-in-wales-web.pdf (cardiff.ac.uk) This was published in 2017 as part of a review of Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) in Wales.
‘The Future of the Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) Curriculum in Wales’ Report – The future of the sex and relationships education curriculum | GOV.WALES This was published in 2017 following the review of SRE in Wales.
What is the new Curriculum for Wales?
RSE is a statutory part of the new Curriculum For Wales, which was issued under the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021. This means that all primary and secondary schools will be required to deliver RSE to students between the ages 3 - 16 once the curriculum is fully rolled out.
Curriculum for Wales: Education is changing | GOV.WALES
A Guide for Parents: 220208-parents-carers.pdf (gov.wales)
Summary of Legislation: Summary of legislation - Hwb (gov.wales)
What is being taught in RSE?
The Relationship and Sexuality and Education (RSE) Code and Guidance was passed into law by the Welsh Government in December 2021.
The RSE Code sets out the themes and topics that must be taught at ‘developmentally appropriate’ phases in primary and secondary schools ('developmentally appropriate' is a key phrase we will return to below). These are now mandatory requirements, the legal basis for which are set out in the legislation summary of the Curriculum for Wales (see link above).
The Code sits within the Area of Learning of Health and Wellbeing as part of the new Curriculum for Wales.
There are three broad strands to the RSE curriculum:
- Relationships and identity
- Sexual health and well-being
- Empowerment, safety, and respect.
You can read more about what is taught in RSE in the RSE Code.
Teachers, headteachers and governing bodies must also follow the RSE statutory guidance in the delivery of RSE and when designing their whole-school curriculum.
When will children and young people learn about RSE?
The RSE Code sets out each of the compulsory strands of teaching and learning in three ‘developmentally appropriate’ phases. Parents should have a key say in what is developmentally appropriate for their own child (see 'Why does this matter?' below), but as a starting point within the guidance, this means:
- From 3 years (Phase 1)
- From 7 years (Phase 2)
- From 11 years (Phase 3)
The topics taught under each phase are set out within the RSE Code.
How were the RSE Code and statutory guidance developed?
The Welsh Government published the RSE Code and Guidance, following a consultation period with teachers, parents, external organisations and young people, and a pilot study of fifteen schools.
Consultation Document: Curriculum for Wales guidance and code for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) | GOV.WALES
Pilot Study: Relationships and sexuality education (RSE) pilot in schools: final report | GOV.WALES
When are the curriculum changes happening?
Schools started to implement the new curriculum in stages:
- From September 2022 for learners up to and including Year 7
Secondary schools will then be expected to roll out their curricula on a year-by-year basis:
- From September 2023 for Year 8 through to September 2026 for Year 11
Do parents have the right to withdraw their children from RSE lessons?
No. The Welsh Government decided to remove a parental right to withdraw following two consultations. This was contested and a Judicial Review in the High Court was launched against the roll out of the new RSE curriculum and the removal of a parental right to withdraw.
The legal challenge and the right to appeal was rejected. The full judgement – including the points raised by the claimants - can be accessed here: Isherwood -v- Welsh Ministers judgment (judiciary.uk)
For more information, head to the Involving Parents and Carers page.
Why does this matter?
This does not resolve the legitimate concerns of many parents and teachers in Wales. And it does not change several crucial points:
- The collaboration and partnership between the home and school remains key to the delivery of effective education.
- Parents and carers are best placed to understand what is 'developmentally appropriate' for their child/ren to be taught and when - and to guide their child/ren into adulthood.
- School governors and headteachers set values that determine the policies and practices they adopt within the school community.
- For this reason, parents should be kept up to date and engaged by schools in decision-making processes to ensure their values are accounted for.
Where can I find out about RSE in my child’s school?
All primary and secondary schools should have their RSE policies available for parents online.
If your child’s school does not have this available or you wish to find out more, you can speak with the school and request to see their RSE policy, curriculum, and teaching resources.
To find out more about what you can do and what you can expect from your child’s school, go here.
To return to the main menu, click here.
More information for parents and carers.
More information for teachers.
More information for governors.
This page was last updated on 30th October 2023.
