§ Mr. LeighTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the meaning is of the word(a) inappropriate, as used in (i) paragraph 8 of the introduction, (ii) paragraph 1.8 of and (iii) paragraph 1.14 of and (b) research, as used in paragraph 1.7 of, the Sex and Relationship Education Guidance issued in July 2000. [131195]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 19 July 2000]: We have made it clear that head teachers and governors must not use teaching and materials which are inappropriate with regard to the age and the religious and the cultural background of the pupils concerned. In making their judgments, head teachers and governors should have regard to the Personal, Social and Health Education framework, which sets out what is expected at each Key Stage in education, and to the law.
There is a variety of research that shows that effective sex and relationship education does not encourage early sexual experimentation. These are summarised in the Social Exclusion Unit's Report on Teenage Pregnancy. Copies are available in the Library.