Sex and Relationship Education 

Sex and relationship education (SRE) is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It involves teaching about sex, sexuality, and sexual health, as well as the importance of stable and loving relationships, and of marriage for family life. It is not about the promotion of any particular sexual orientation, or of sexual activity.

As a parent or carer, you play a key role in your child’s learning about sex and relationships. Schools and governors should always work in partnership with you when developing or updating the school’s SRE policy. It should be designed to complement and support your role in education your child.

Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from any part of SRE lessons, but not statutory science lessons. Should you have concerns about the content of the school’s SRE programme, talk these through with your child and then the head teacher, or other senior member of school staff.

The DfES online leaflet about SRE for parents:

The DfES has issued Guidance on SRE to all schools.