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Statutory Guidance - Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education

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Statutory Guidance - Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education

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Statutory guidance on relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This is statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) issued under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 and section 403 of the Education Act 1996.

Schools must have regard to the guidance and, where they depart from those parts of the guidance which state that they should, or should not, do something, they will need to have good reasons for doing so.

This statutory guidance applies to all schools, and is for:

governing bodies of maintained schools (including schools with a sixth-form) and non-maintained special schools

trustees or directors of academies and free schools

proprietors of independent schools (including academies and free schools)

management committees of pupil referral units (PRUs)

teachers, other school staff and school nurses

headteachers, principals and senior leadership teams

diocese and other faith representatives

relevant local authority staff for reference

To help school leaders follow this statutory guidance, we have published:

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

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Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education

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Statutory guidance on relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education.

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Webinar Recording: Parent/Carer Information: RSHE 2026 & Beyond [25 minutes]

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Webinar Recording: Parent/Carer Information: RSHE 2026 & Beyond [25 minutes]

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RSHE Guidance ParentCarer Information Webinar 2026

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(un)comfortable conversations: Supporting Muslim families to help keep children safe by making uncomfortable conversations feel comfortable

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(un)comfortable conversations: Supporting Muslim families to help keep children safe by making uncomfortable conversations feel comfortable

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Also available:

Download the guide in Arabic (PDF)

Download the guide in Bengali (PDF)

Download the guide in Urdu (PDF)

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Talking to Children about their Developing Bodies and Feelings - Webinar for parents and carers

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Talking to Children about their Developing Bodies and Feelings - Webinar for parents and carers

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Talking to Children about their Developing Bodies and Feelings - Webinar for parents and carers

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Simple tips for parents talking about RSE at home

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Simple tips for parents talking about RSE at home

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Relationships and Sex Education at home supports your child to have healthy relationships. Learn about how to support your child at home as they grow up.

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Read our 8 top tips to help you teach about sex and relationships at home and find resources to support you.

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Supporting Muslim families to have uncomfortable conversations about RSE

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Supporting Muslim families to have uncomfortable conversations about RSE

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A useful guide for parents

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Church of England: Faith sensitive and inclusive RSE

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Church of England: Faith sensitive and inclusive RSE

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Since September 2020, all primary schools have been required to teach Relationships Education. They are also required to teach Health Education. Secondary schools are required to teach Relationships Education and Sex Education.

In March 2023 the Government announced a review into RSHE. The Church of England will work with the review as required to help ensure that children of all ages receive appropriate and high quality relationships education. This is vital for forming healthy relationships, making responsible and safe choices and navigating the complex issues they will face in today's society.

We trust the review will reaffirm the requirement for all schools to approach RSHE in a faith sensitive and inclusive way, seeking to explain fairly the tenets and varying interpretations of religious communities on matters of sex and relationships and teach these viewpoints with respect.

The Church of England supports age-appropriate provision of sex education at primary level, and has issued a Charter for schools of all types to sign up to as they affirm the broad principles about how RSHE is taught.

The Charter is accompanied by guidance, given to help dioceses and schools as they develop policy in this area. Based on the work of the Church of England's Pastoral Advisory Group which has set out some principles for living well together with difference and diversity and we have developed the following documents

Relationships and Sex Education Principles and Charter

Suggested format for parents' meetings with associated resources

Suggested policy template

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Relationships, Sex and Health Education | The Church of England

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Faith sensitive and inclusive Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education (RSHE) Information and resources for Church of England schools

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A Guide for Muslim Parents & Educators  on Navigating LGBTQ+ and RSE in Schools

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A Guide for Muslim Parents & Educators  on Navigating LGBTQ+ and RSE in Schools

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Webwise Parents: Talking to your teen about respectful communication online

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Elaine Byrnes, Doctoral Researcher-Psychology, NUI Galway offers advice to parents on talking to your teen about respectful communication online.

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Sharing nude images and videos

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Some things last forever... others don't

Sharing nudes that could hurt or embarrass others causes real harm, damages reputations and changes lives FOREVER.

It can also be a criminal offence.

For more information and support go to: http://watchyourspace.ie/forever

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This powerful short film explores how young people communicate and connect online

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Based on real life experiences, Connected is a short film exploring how young people communicate and connect online. The film encourages young people to reflect on why their actions matter and the impact it can have on others. We shape the internet everyday with our interactions. You can play a part in creating a better, connected online world.

For advice and support on managing your online wellbeing visit: webwise.ie/connected

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See the whole picture - the truth behind selfies and online image

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The Full Picture is a short film exploring how young people use social media to connect and share. The film highlights the influences and pressures young people face online and encourages them to see the full picture. Social media helps us share our lives but it does not tell the whole story.  The campaign encourages young people to be mindful of what influences them and how they respond to pressures online.

For support and advice visit: www.webwise.ie/thefullpicture

Produced by Motherland
Directed by Ellius Grace

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#BeInCtrl - A Short Film on Online Grooming

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It is NOT okay for anyone to pressure or coerce you into sending nudes online.
If this happens to you,
you are a victim of a crime.
Don't share more photos or videos.
Don't pay anything.
Report it to An Garda Síochána.
#BeInCtrl

Created by Webwise Ireland- Internet Safety and Awareness Centre, Ireland on the topic of Online Exploitation and Coercion as part of the Be  in Ctrl educational resource.
Directed by by Hugh Mulhern 
Produced by Motherland

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An introduction and fun quiz for children

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Be The Boss Of Your Body – all about consent for kids

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PopPorn Parents from the amazing Human Development and Family Studies professor Megan Maas (see her Ted talk here and her quick videos for parents here) to learn about how to talk openly with your child about things like porn, sexting/sending nudes, cyberbullying, sexual harassment and violence, and sex – topics that unfortunately overlap for our digital-native kids.

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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A resource to support parents/carers to talk to their child about keeping safe

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Worried about your child sending or receiving nude selfies? Find out more about the risks and how to talk to your child here

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If you've found out your child has shared a revealing pic or video, don't panic. There are plenty of ways to stop things getting out of hand.

Watch these short films for advice on what to do next:

Understanding why

It's important to keep things in perspective and plan how to talk to your child. Remember, however stressed and anxious you are feeling, they are probably feeling more so. Watch this film to find out how one parent coped.

Talking to your child

It's a good idea to have ongoing conversations with your child about sex and relationships including nude selfies. It might be a bit embarrassing at first but this film suggests some ways to start it off.

When should I be worried?

Young people share nude selfies for different reasons and in different ways, and some situations are more risky than others. This film will help you to understand the different contexts in which images are shared and how to respond.

Where to get help

Find out about organisations which can help you and your child.

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If you've found out your child has shared a revealing pic or video, don't panic. There are plenty of ways to stop things getting out of hand. Watch these short films for advice on what to do next: It's important to keep things in perspective and plan how to talk to your child.

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Abuse advice for parents. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing abuse in a relationship there are details of how to get help here

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Available any time Always free to call

Absolutely everyone. You can call the police on 999 if your own personal safety is threatened, if someone you know is at risk of immediate harm, or in case of an emergency.

When you call the police because you're in danger from domestic abuse, their first priority should be the safety and well-being of you and your children. The police should support you by:

Helping to protect you and your children

Trying to reduce the risk of further violence

Finding out what has happened and starting an investigation

Offering you initial support and safety planning

Directing you to organisations that can offer you further help and support

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Available any time Always free to call  Absolutely everyone.

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Articles and stories to help keep your child healthy and happy.

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Articles and stories to help keep your child healthy and happy.

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The best possible start in life - Grownups - Health for Kids

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Health for kids - Grownups - Health for Kids - Everything You Wanted To Know About Health

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Simple conversations to keep your child safe from abuse

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Simple conversations to keep your child safe from abuse

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8 Sex Ed questions & answers for parents/carers

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8 Sex Ed questions & answers for parents/carers

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On International Sex Education Day, 2 February, we teamed up with Teen World Confidential to host a Twitter chat. Here are the 8 questions that went out and Outspoken's brief replies...

Use teachable moments! Hearing a song, watching TV, passing a billboard, hearing a comment: they're all springboards for conversation. Try a podcast or article as an alibi: "I just read/heard..." Reflect back: "Remember when you said X. I've been meaning to say Y..." Or just start!

Deliberately do not make negative comments about your body. But do comment on the good things you feel about your body and what it has done and can do. Go out and move with your child. Be positive about girls being active. Counter comments about looks with remarks about abilities

Sexting can mean written messages, images, videos or livestreaming. Figure out what your child knows about sexting generally. Then: has it happened at school, to a friend, to them? Have they or a friend ever received - or sent - a dick pic? Would they forward one on?

Picture books: Hello Sailor (a bit indirect) and Made By Raffi. Graphic novels: I love Fun Home (by Alison Bechdel of Bechdel film-test fame). Spinning by Tillie Walden is well done, also Drama by Raina Telgemeier. I'll Give You The Sun and David Levithan books are said to be good

It's a tricky balancing act of remote learning plus juggling a combination of messaging and talking to friends online, gaming, seeing a friend in as safe/distanced a way as possible, getting out into nature. Kids knowing what they need for their own good mental health helps!

With young kids: say if they something online upsets them, eg naked adults touching each other, to close the device and come talk to you. With preteens: ask what they know about it, explain about what it doesn't show and how it can influence desire. With teens: talk facts and neuroscience!

Defy the pink/blue divide; go for other colours. Question our culture: can't girls play with trucks and boys with dolls? Why are jobs seen as female/male? How are girls/boys conditioned? Call out stereotypes in TV shows, ads, clothes, toys. Accept your child as they are

First look at your own experiences and values about love, intimacy, sex, relationships. Use correct terms for body parts. Use LGBT+ inclusive language. Let your kids know it's OK to be sexual. Talk about consent. Even if it's awkward, be matter of fact, open and honest

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8 burning sex ed questions and 8 quick answers

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On International Sex Education Day , 2 February, we teamed up with Teen World Confidential to host a Twitter chat. Here are the 8 questions that went out and Outspoken's brief replies... Use teachable moments! Hearing a song, watching TV, passing a billboard, hearing a comment: they're all springboards for conversation.

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Safer Internet Day (9th February) is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. It is promoted in Ireland by the PDST Technology in Education and Webwise, the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre.

The theme for this year's Safer Internet Day is #BeKindOnline. For most people, being online is a positive and useful experience. But with technology being such a prominent part of everyday life, it has never been more important to recognise the impact that our behaviour can have on others, and how the interactions we have with others online can influence our own self-esteem and wellbeing.

This year for Safer Internet Day 2021, #BeKindOnline highlights the importance of respectful online communication, to foster a sense of care and empathy for others, and to encourage people to manage their online wellbeing.

Parents have an important role to play in helping to ensure that their teen has a positive experience online, and Safer Internet Day can be a great time to engage with your teen in the conversation.

Here are some great free resources from Webwise to help you start the conversation with your teen on managing their online wellbeing and building digital resilience.
1. Managing my online wellbeing
Help your child make the most of their time online by watching The Full Picture video together. This short film explores how young people use social media to connect and share.

This video is a great way to start a conversation on the influences and pressures they may face online and encourage them to see the full picture and be mindful of what influences them and how they respond to pressures online.

More advice and tips on how to talk to your child about managing their online wellbeing is available here.
2. Practising Safe Online Communication
One of the biggest concerts parents have when it comes to their child's safety online is around unwanted contact. Talk to your child about the importance of practising safe online communication using the Be in Ctrl short film.

More information on how to help your child identify suspicious communication online and know where they can get help and report suspicious communication is available here.
3. #BeKindOnline
Promote respectful online communication using the Connected short film. This powerful short film explores how young people communicate and connect online. Connected encourages young people to reflect on why their actions matter and the impact it can have on others.

More advice and tips on how to talk to your teen about respectful online communication is available here.
4. Sexting - What Parents Need to Know?
For many parents of teens, sexting can be a big concern. Talking to your child can be the best way to ease concerns. Watch this expert advice video featuring Elaine Byrnes, Doctoral Researcher-Psychology, NUI Galway explain why teens may get involved in sexting and offer advice on how parents can talk to their teens about image-sharing.

More advice and useful talking points on how to start the conversation with your teen about sexting is available here.
5. Image Sharing and Consent
Explore the topic of image-sharing and consent with your teen using the Forever video. Forever addresses the topic of sexting and highlights the potential consequences of sharing images without consent.

Advice and talking points for how to begin a conversation with your child about image sharing is available here.
6. Respect and Consent Online
Watch this expert advice video featuring Elaine Byrnes, Doctoral Researcher-Psychology, NUI Galway offers advice to parents on talking to your teen about the importance of respect and consent when communicating online.

More advice and support on what to do if an image/video of your child is shared online is available here.
7. #BeKindOnline Webinar Series
As part of Safer Internet Day 2021, the Irish Safer Internet Centre will host a series of free online safety webinars for parents and educators on the topic of Empowering Healthy Online Behaviour in Children and Teenagers.

The webinars are free to attend and will give parents an opportunity to ask questions. Guest speakers include Mark Smyth, Clinical Psychologist and Dr. Nicola Fox-Hamilton, Cyberpsychology researcher and lecturer.

Register for the free online safety webinars for parents here.
For more information visit the Webwise Parent's Hub here.

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Free resources to help parents talk to teens about online safety

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Safer Internet Day (9th February) is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. It is promoted in Ireland by the PDST Technology in Education and Webwise, the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre. The theme for this year's Safer Internet Day is #BeKindOnline.

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What you should be talking about with your children and when

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WHAT IS AGE APPROPRIATE?

Wondering how far your explanations should go with your curious preschooler or your precocious pre-teen? Sex Ed Rescue offers a parent-friendly and practical age by age guide.

The Sex Education Forum's curriculum design tool, with its "life course approach", was originally designed for teachers but makes a useful guide for parents on toeing the "age appropriate" line:

Who is in my family?

What do I like about my friend?

What do we call the different parts of girls} and boys' bodies?

Where do babies come from?

Which parts of my body are private?

How can I say no if I don't want someone to touch me?

Who can I ask if I need help to know something or if I am worried?

How can I be a good friend?

What makes me feel good, and bad?

How do I know how others are feeling?

Why is my body changing?

Why are some children growing more quickly?

Why does having a baby need a male and a female?

Keeping safe and looking after myself

What are good habits for looking after my growing body?

When is it good or bad to keep secrets?

Where can I get information about growing up?

Who can I talk to if I feel anxious or unhappy?

What is love? How can we show it?

Can people of the same sex love each other? Is that OK?

Is my body normal? What is puberty? What kind of feelings come with it?

What is sex? What does a new baby need to keep it happy and healthy?

Keeping safe and looking after myself

How can I look after my body through puberty?

Where can I find information about puberty and sex? Who can I talk to if I want help advice about growing up?

Or if I feel anxious or unhappy?

What makes a relationship happy or unhappy? How will I know if I am in love? Do you have to have sex to show someone you love them?

Am I normal? Should we all look like pictures in the media? Why do boys get erections?

What is sex? What does a new baby need to keep it happy and healthy?

What is safer sex? What are the different methods of contraception? What's HIV and AIDs and how do you get it?

Can I see a nurse or doctor in private? Which are the best websites for help and advice on sex and relationships?

What's the best way to resist pressure from friends or partner to do things I don't want to do? Is porn real?

Feelings and attitudes

How does how I feel about my body affect my self-esteem and my relationships? What's it like to come out as gay/lesbian/bisexual/ transgender?

What do different cultures and religions believe about sex and relationships?

Keeping safe and looking after my sexual health

Who should be responsible for contraception?

How do I use a condom and will it affect sexual performance? What are the laws on sexual offences?

Sources of help and advice

What are my rights as a young person to information, sexual health and confidentiality? If a woman gets pregnant, what choices does she have?

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WHAT IS AGE APPROPRIATE? Wondering how far your explanations should go with your curious preschooler or your precocious pre-teen? Sex Ed Rescue offers a parent-friendly and practical age by age guide. The Sex Education Forum's curriculum design tool, with its "life course approach", was originally designed for teachers but makes a useful guide for parents on toeing the "age appropriate" line: Who is in my family?

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​Sex, love and relationships topics come up at unexpected times with our kids. Our line-up of experts offers parents ideas on how to tackle tricky situations with young kids, tweens and teenagers

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How To Talk To Your Kids About Sex At Any Age

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How To Talk To Your Kids About Sex At Any Age

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How To Talk To Your Kids About Sex At Any Age

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The founder of My Little Yoni shares ways to start early, accurate, and positive sex ed at home.

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From 'Body Image' to 'Consent' - Get the facts & top tips to have these conversations with your children

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Look into topics to discuss with your child or teen - from puberty, consent and porn to sexuality and gender

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RSE Home-School Lessons for Parents/Carers

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RSE Home-School Lessons for Parents/Carers

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Parents are the primary educators of RSE & these home-school lessons are a great resource to help parents speak about RSE topics

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HOMESCHOOLING LESSONS | Outspoken Sex Ed

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You are your child's first and most influential educator! Teach your child about sex and relationships with these short sessions on bodies, babies, consent and more

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Coming out

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Young Minds - How to Talk to Your Child about Mental Health

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Young Minds - How to Talk to Your Child about Mental Health

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Giving our children and young people opportunities to open up is one of the biggest things we can do as parents and carers to support their wellbeing. It can be easy to forget the simple power of sharing what we're going through and feeling heard. But even though you can't fix everything when your child is struggling, you can make them feel seen and understood - and this in itself can make them feel more able to cope.

Talking about how they are, how their day has been and what's on their mind as part of everyday family life shows your child that you're interested in them and want to listen. It also supports them to practise thinking and talking about their feelings, helping them to get to know themselves and what they need.

But talking isn't always easy. You might feel like you don't know where to start, when a 'good time' is, or how your young person will react. Or, you might be worried about making things worse or saying the wrong thing. If this is the case, try to remember that your child doesn't need you to always get it right - they just need to know you're there.

Here, you can find lots of ideas, conversation starters and advice for making talking easier.

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How to Talk to Your Child about Mental Health

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Read our advice on how you can talk to your child about mental health and encourage them to talk about their feelings.

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Young Minds- Conversation Starters: A Guide for Parents/Carers

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Young Minds- Conversation Starters: A Guide for Parents/Carers

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A range of short articles and videos covering practical tips to support children’s wellbeing and behaviour.

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Parenting Smart offers practical advice for parents and carers of children aged 5-11. All of our content is created by Place2Be’s parenting experts. It’s based on evidence and their experiences working with children, young people and their families.

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How to Talk to Children about Difficult Topics

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How to Talk to Children about Difficult Topics

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How to talk to children about difficult topics

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Advice on how to talk to children about difficult topics, such as divorce, illness and death.

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Talking to Children about Drugs and Alcohol

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Talking to Children about Drugs and Alcohol

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Information and advice for speaking to children about drugs and making sure they’re aware of the law and the risks.

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NHS Advice for Families of People who Use Drugs

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NHS Advice for Families of People who Use Drugs

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Advice for the families of people who use drugs – NHS

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Information and advice for families or carers of people who use drugs, including details of where to find local help and support.

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Kooth - Supporting your child during difficult times

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Kooth - Supporting your child during difficult times

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Advice for parents: Talking mental health with young people (Secondary)

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Advice for parents: Talking mental health with young people (Secondary)

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As parents and carers, it can be hard to know whether your child’s feelings and behaviour are normal or becoming a problem.

This leaflet was developed by the Anna Freud Centre's child mental health experts and features an introduction form the Centre's Chief Executive, Professor Peter Fonagy.

It provides simple advice and guidance to parents and carers about how to make conversations about their child's feelings part of everyday conversation.

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5 ways to better wellbeing for your family (Primary)

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5 ways to better wellbeing for your family (Primary)

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This guide helps parents and carers to focus on 5 ways to support the wellbeing of the whole family and promote mental health.

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A range of activities, healthy recipes and practical tips to support your family to lead a healthier lifestyle

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Make a change today! Discover healthy recipes, food swaps, nutritional advice, and top tips and activities to help the whole family stay healthy.

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(un)comfortable conversations: NSPCC Video for parents 

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(un)comfortable conversations: NSPCC Video for parents 

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How to talk to children about difficult topics: NSPCC guide for parents 

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How to talk to children about difficult topics: NSPCC guide for parents 

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How to talk to children about difficult topics

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Advice on how to talk to children about difficult topics, such as divorce, illness and death.