RSE update: 'Department is considering the report'

Wed, 09 Aug 2023

In response to the newly released report, Julie Edge MHK and Minister for the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) said that her “department is considering the report”.

The relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum is set to resume, but with “improved parental communication and greater specialisation and training for teachers prior to its reintroduction”.

The independent report follows on from the classes that were taught at Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) High School which raised questions from parents and MHK’s earlier in February 2023.

According to the DESC, investigators spoke to a range of stakeholders including parents, teachers, senior school staff and health and education officials before handing over their report.

The report highlights the need for “better training for teachers, consideration of a different delivery model for RSE and improved communication with parents”.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: “I welcome the report and thank all the parents, teachers and officers who have contributed.

“My Department is considering the report and will work with schools from September to ensure that necessary changes are made and a clear plan is developed to inform the most appropriate way forward to resume delivery of RSE in early 2024.”

The Minister added that she acknowledges the findings “in respect of improving communication and the Department will now take steps to ensure that plans are communicated appropriately to parents”.

“As I have previously stated, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) will continue in September without any RSE delivery until further work including specialised training and communication is carried out by the Department,” Minister Edge said.

 

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