§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on her policy on sex education in schools. [28767]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe responsibility for determining a school policy on sex and relationship education rests with governing bodies and head teachers. Our Sex and Relationship Education guidance, published in July 2000, clearly states that governing bodies and head teachers should consult parents in developing their sex and relationship education policy to ensure that the views of parents and the community are reflected. All schools must have a policy, which is made available for inspection and to parents.
The Department recommends that sex and relationship education should be supported by a school's wider curriculum for Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship. In this way, schools can ensure that pupils receive their sex education in the wider context of relationships and are prepared for the responsibilities and experiences of adult life.