§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he has any plans to update the guidance on sex education in schools contained in circular 11/87.
§ Mr. PattenI am today issuing for consultation a draft revised circular on sex education and have placed copies in the Library of the House.
We are clear that all sex education should take place within a framework which encourages pupils to consider the moral dimension of their actions. They should recognise the value of family life and understand the importance of loving relationships and mutual respect.
This draft advice seeks to guide and support headteachers and other classroom teachers in a sensitive, but important, aspect of children's education. It rightly recognises that parents are the key figures in helping their children to cope with the physical and emotional aspects of growing up and in preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities which sexual maturity brings. The teaching offered by schools should be complementary and supportive to the role of parents.
The circular also explains how the provisions for sex education in the Education (No. 2) Act 1986 work together with those in the Education Reform Act 1988. This requires all pupils to study aspects of sex education within national curriculum science.
Our new draft guidance will offer appropriate advice to teachers, governors and others who are responsible for providing such education.