HC Deb 17 January 1994 vol 235 c411W
Miss Lestor

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans the Government have to ensure that teachers receive adequate initial and in-service training to deliver the new compulsory provision of sex education in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

The new arrangements for sex education, which will come into force in September 1994, will incorporate elements which currently form part of the national curriculum requirements for science; and many secondary schools already teach other elements of sex education too. The Department's grants for education support and training programme for 1994–95 will assist schools in securing any additional in-service training needed to equip teachers to deal with these and other aspects of the new arrangements. My right hon. Friend's accreditation criteria for initial teacher training require that the new arrangements should be adequately covered in all relevant courses.