§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to ensure that boys are being taught moral responsibility in sex education.
§ Mr. ForthIn the new draft guidance which will be issued shortly, schools will be reminded of the requirement that sex education should be provided in such a manner as to encourage pupils to have due regard to moral considerations and to the value of family life. The guidance will emphasise the need for schools to foster in both sexes responsible sexual attitudes and behaviour.
§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he will take to encourage the work of the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority in sex and moral education.
§ Mr. ForthUnder section 1 of the Education Reform Act 1988 all maintained schools are required to offer a curriculum which promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society. The School Curriculum and Assessment Authority will be carrying out its work within this framework.
§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will issue guidance to education authorities advising them not to use the Family Planning Association's primary school workbook on sex education for four-year-olds; and what is his policy on the use of explicit teaching materials for sex education in primary schools.
§ Mr. ForthThe law does not require primary schools to teach about sex. It does, however, require that where there is such teaching it should encourage pupils to have due regard to moral considerations and to the value of family life. My right hon. Friend has made clear his view that education about sex should begin in the home, as should all education. Governors of all schools should keep closely in touch with parents on this sensitive subject.