Management Information Sheet

RSHE - The latest DfE update, what do I need to know?

MI Sheet TypeInformation
To Be Completed By: 12/03/2021
MI Number:31/21
Publication Date:12/03/2021 12:00:00
LA Contact:Josie Rayner-Wells (01603 303329)
Audience:CEOs, Headteachers and Principals, SENDCos and RSHE Leads.
Links:https://www.s4s.norfolk.gov.uk/Search/rshe

RSHE - The latest DfE update, what do I need to know?

Statutory Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education came into effect in September 2020.

Many schools are ready for these requirements, whilst others are still working towards being ready due to the pressures of the pandemic. The DfE has permitted schools to delay teaching until this summer term. The latest statement clarifies expectations of schools in relation to implementing statutory RSHE (www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education), by:

  • Recognising the unique pressures schools are facing this academic year, and the difficulties that they may have in teaching some RSHE content remotely and where it has been possible will have supported pupil mental health during this period
  • Reassuring schools they can decide how much of the statutory curriculum can be reasonably achieved this summer term. The law requires schools to provide some relationships and health education to all primary age pupils and some relationships, sex and health education to all secondary age pupils in the remainder of this academic year
  • Schools should prioritise RSHE content based on the needs of their pupils, with attention to the importance of positive relationships, as well as mental and physical health
  • Schools must engage with parents in the RSE policy. This does not need to be in person and can be delivered online
  • Permitting schools to use an iterative process, continuing into next academic year, providing time to allow detailed curriculum planning.

We have a range of fully funded and subsidised resources to help you prioritise compliance with the statutory requirements this academic year:

Fully subsidised:

View the full range of resources and training here (https://www.educatorsolutions.org.uk/staff-development/courses-and-programmes/rshe/). If you have any questions, please contact rseenquiry@educatorsolutions.org.uk or attend one of the fully-funded RSHE surgeries (https://s4s.norfolk.gov.uk/Search/rshe%20surgery).