Talking with you about Relationships, Sex and Health Education
At St Mary’s, we believe that all of God’s children flourish when they grow in confidence, kindness and understanding of themselves and others. Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSE) plays an important part in this – helping children build healthy friendships, stay safe, and understand their own wellbeing, all within the context of our Christian values of Friendship, Compassion, Service and Forgiveness.
Earlier this year, we reviewed our RSE policy and curriculum ahead of September 2026, in line with updated Department for Education guidance, and consulted with parents and carers before finalising it. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views – you can read what we heard, and what we’ve done as a result, below.
What is RSE?
Relationships Education is compulsory for all primary-aged pupils. Sex Education is not compulsory at primary level beyond what is covered in the science curriculum, but – in common with the majority of primary schools – we teach a small amount of age-appropriate sex education so that children are properly prepared for the changes ahead of them. Full details of what is taught, and in which year group, are set out in the curriculum overview below.
Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from any non-statutory sex education content. This is explained fully in our policy, and you are welcome to discuss it with us directly at any time – see the contact details below.
Our consultation
We consulted with parents and carers between 28 April and 12 May 2026, sharing our draft policy and curriculum overview and inviting feedback via an online form and a drop-in coffee morning.
Downloads
St Mary’s Academy PSHE & RSE Policy 2026
What we heard from parents
The main themes were:
- How puberty and human reproduction are taught, particularly how children develop an understanding of reproduction without detailed teaching about sexual intercourse
- How staff respond when pupils ask direct or unexpected questions
- A desire for greater clarity about what is taught in each year group
- Questions about how different family structures are represented, including families formed through donor conception
- Interest in seeing or understanding the resources and materials used
What has changed
As a result of the consultation, we have:
- ✅ Strengthened guidance for staff on responding to pupil questions, including clear expectations around age-appropriate responses and maintaining agreed curriculum boundaries
- ✅ Improved communication with parents, producing clearer explanations of what is taught, when it is taught, how questions will be handled, and how themes build progressively across the school
- ✅ Committed to a clearer year-by-year curriculum overview so parents can better understand progression
- ✅ Enhanced explanatory information around our approach to inclusion and the representation of different family structures
What has not changed
The consultation did not lead to changes in the content of the curriculum itself. Feedback showed a genuine range of views, including some parents who felt the school should teach more explicit sex education, and others who strongly supported our existing approach. Having considered all responses, we remain confident that our curriculum:
- meets all statutory requirements
- provides age-appropriate learning
- teaches the biological aspects of reproduction through the science curriculum
- prepares pupils through a strong focus on relationships, safety, wellbeing, boundaries and respect
- reflects the school’s values and ethos
In summary: the principal outcome of the consultation was not a change in curriculum content, but a commitment to greater clarity, transparency and consistency in how the curriculum is explained to parents and delivered by staff.
Questions parents often ask
Can I withdraw my child from RSE? You can withdraw your child from the non-statutory sex education elements of the curriculum. You cannot withdraw your child from Relationships Education or the science elements of Sex Education, as these are compulsory for all primary pupils. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this.
How is puberty and reproduction taught without detailed teaching about sexual intercourse? The biological aspects of reproduction are taught through our science curriculum, at an age-appropriate level, alongside a wider PSHE focus on relationships, bodies, boundaries and respect. We do not teach the mechanics of sexual intercourse at primary level.
What happens if a child asks a direct or unexpected question? Staff are given clear guidance on responding to pupil questions in an honest, age-appropriate way, while maintaining agreed curriculum boundaries. If a question goes beyond what is appropriate to answer in class, staff will let you know so you can follow it up at home if you wish.
Can I see the resources and materials used? Yes – please contact us and we’re happy to talk you through what’s used in your child’s year group.
How are different family structures represented? We aim to reflect the full range of families our children come from, including those formed through donor conception, adoption, fostering and other routes, with sensitivity and without singling any child out.
Who decides what is taught? The curriculum content is ultimately a decision for the school, guided by DfE statutory guidance and shaped by feedback from consultation. Consultation helps us understand your views and reach a shared understanding with our school community, but it is not a vote on content.
How does this fit with our Christian ethos? RSE at St Mary’s is taught within the context of our Christian vision and values, with sensitivity to different family structures and backgrounds represented in our school community.
Any further questions? Contact the school office: [email protected].