Agenda item - Statutory relationships, sex and health education

Report of the Interim Executive Director Families, Children & Learning (copy attached)

RESOLVED –

1.    That a statement supporting Brighton & Hove Schools in taking inclusive approaches to RSHE and encouraging them to actively engage with their diverse parent and carer communities be agreed by Committee.

2.    That recommendation of the PSHE Association Programme of Study for PSHE Education Key Stages 1-5 to all Brighton & Hove Schools as the basis of their PSHE curriculum and that this would build on the previous Brighton & Hove Programme of Study and be in line with statutory requirements be agreed by committee.

9.1       The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning which sought to inform committee of the support being provided to Brighton & Hove schools ahead of the introduction of statutory relationships, sex education and health education (RSHE) in September 2020. The report was provided by the Partnership Adviser Health & Wellbeing and the Inclusion Coordinator at Carlton Hill (Isabel Reid).

9.2       The Committee were provided with a PowerPoint presentation. The Partnership Adviser Health & Wellbeing stated that many were compliant with what was to become statutory. Effective delivery was stated as a key aim of BHCC. It was stated that there was a lack of clarity of the definition of sex education. It was noted that the Local Authority was working hard to be transparent on this and that the aim was to be inclusive and values based.

9.3       Councillor Clare sought clarification of the difference between the old and new RHSE.

9.4       The Inclusion Coordinator at Carlton Hill stated from a primary perspective it had strengthened the views around inclusivity and health, It was stated that there was particular focus on teaching children how to look after their bodies and mental and health wellbeing. It was noted that work on puberty was not so clearly laid out and that some of this was covered in science classes.

9.4       The Partnership Adviser Health & Wellbeing stated that this had not been a statutory subject in the past as schools in Brighton and Hove had always delivered PSHE It was noted that the old guidance was now updated and that this now included work around mental health, sleep and pornography. It was noted that there was scope for looking at economic wellbeing.

9.5       Councillor McNair stated that this was not a formal consultation, an enquiry was made as to whether BHCC had involved faith groups and if the faith council would be more involved. Hope was expressed that Brighton & Hove would chose to deliver sex based education and clarification was sought as to what parental consultation had taken place to provide BHCC with confidence that this was what was wanted. Finally it was further enquired as to what extent the BAME community had been consulted.

9.6       The Partnership Adviser Health & Wellbeing recognised that broadly this area of consultation across communities was important. Talks with faith council was welcomed and it was noted that it was up to individual schools to set the curriculum. It was noted that BHCC aimed to provide guidance and that consultation had also taken place with faith leaders of the Coptic Church, a senior figure in the Jewish Community and an Imam from a Mosque. It was stated that the challenge was looking at how marriage was considered and that language was adjusted while respecting religious viewpoints.  It was stated that an offer was made to go out in communities, churches or mosques however there was little response. It was stated that people had requested information and that schools in Brighton and Hove were teaching sexual education including practices of family diversity. It was noted a that a key issue surrounding sex education was safeguarding and that children needed to have a language to look after their bodies.

9.7       The Inclusion Coordinator at Carlton Hill stated that parent workshops were provided and attendance was predominantly by Arabic parents. It was stated that the overwhelming message was that women wanted more access to information.

9.10    Councillor Nield welcomed an approach that focused on transgender children and homophobia.

9.11    RESOLVED –

1.    That a statement supporting Brighton & Hove Schools in taking inclusive approaches to RSHE and encouraging them to actively engage with their diverse parent and carer communities be agreed by Committee.

2.    That recommendation of the PSHE Association Programme of Study for PSHE Education Key Stages 1-5 to all Brighton & Hove Schools as the basis of their PSHE curriculum and that this would build on the previous Brighton & Hove Programme of Study and be in line with statutory requirements be agreed by committee.