Sex education is seen as part of a wider programme of personal, social and health education. Children will be finding out about how they grow and behave in relation to others and some sex education will arise spontaneously from children’s questions. Work on animal young, parental care and family life, are all appropriate during the early years at school.

Particular care and sensitivity is taken in matching teaching to the maturity of pupils involved, which may not be adequately indicated by their chronological age.

The school nurse supports the school and visits pupils in Years 5 and 6 as appropriate to discuss puberty and sex education as part of the wider health education programme.

Television programmes on video may be used and parents will be consulted beforehand so that they may talk with their children. An opportunity is also given for parents to view the video before they are shown to pupils.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from lessons on “sex education”, except that which is covered by National Curriculum science. However, we hope that when seen in the broader context of our health programme you will feel that this subject is dealt with in a sensitive and caring manner.