Low take-up by schools of free government training on how to teach relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) has prompted concerns that many teachers may be ill-equipped to deliver the statutory programme.
In response to a recent parliamentary question, school standards minister Robin Walker confirmed that just 4,800 out of 24,000 schools in England received training from the government’s “teach the teacher” and peer support programme around RSHE delivery in 2020/21.
Walker said the programme, which has now ended, was designed as a “cascade model” of training so that those who received it shared the learning with other teachers in their wider school networks. Other DfE training modules on RSHE are available for schools to download for free, he added.
Under statutory guidance introduced in September 2020, all secondary schools are required to teach RSHE and all primary schools to teach relationships and health education. Introduction of the requirements was delayed until the summer term of 2020/21 academic year due to the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Sarah Champion, Labour MP for Rotherham, is concerned that online resources are insufficient for teachers, many of whom are uncomfortable teaching the subject.
She said: “RSHE is a particularly challenging topic to teach, and many teachers have repeatedly stated they do not feel confident engaging pupils with the subject.
“I am appalled that the government have had four years to prepare teachers to deliver RSHE, yet the majority are unable to access any in-person support.”
Champion’s concerns are echoed by education organisations, some of whom provide training and support for schools. Here, three organisations explain what resources and support they provide.
Range of interactive techniques
By Lisa Handy, RSE lead, Coram Life Education
When taught well by confident practitioners in an age-appropriate way, RSHE is vital for helping children to develop healthy and respectful relationships and keeping them safe.
In the last year we have been inundated with requests from teachers for support with RSHE teaching, suggesting that the training offered by the government doesn’t go far enough in equipping teachers with the skills and attitudes they need.
Our training focuses on using a range of interactive techniques and resources to help teachers plan and deliver effective RSHE. It allows teachers to come together with their peers and experts, to reflect on their own values, to ask questions, to make mistakes and learn from each other.
We support them not only to reflect on their own school’s values and vision but consider how best to win the hearts and minds of the whole school community. This includes parent consultation workshops to enable teachers to talk more confidently about the new statutory requirements with families.
It’s more important than ever to enable teachers to become confident, knowledgeable and reflective practitioners in RSHE, within an environment that reinforces the value of the subject across the whole school.
Support for the whole school
By Julie Nash, Fastn trustee and former head teacher
In partnership with practicing educators, 20 leading relationships organisations, and informed by the latest research, Fastn has drawn up The Principles of Excellence in Relationships Education to enable school leaders to recognise and deliver excellent relationships education through every aspect of school life.
The reflective practice aid, available shortly, that accompanies the principles has been created to help school leaders to quickly appraise current performance and areas to improve relationships learning throughout the school community. It has been co-created and road-tested with practicing educationalists to accompany existing classroom aids and ensures relationships education is meaningful and achieves impact.
The aid supports school leaders to identify how they can continually improve relationships throughout the school.
To achieve change, healthy and reliable relationships need to be lived and breathed by the whole community. As research by the Harvard Centre for Early Childhood Development demonstrates, it is only by witnessing and experiencing positive relationships that children and young people identify and practice healthy and reliable relationships in their own lives.
Courses suitable for every level
By Dougie Boyd, director of education, Brook
Brook has 55 years’ experience of working directly with young people, so is in a unique position to provide invaluable support to busy professionals. Alongside our expert-led training packages, consultancy opportunities and workshops for young people, we have an extensive suite of free, clinically assured resources. All our resources are designed to improve the confidence, knowledge and skills of professionals delivering relationships and sex education (RSE).
Our digital learning platform Brook Learn includes 10 free self-directed courses to support teachers to plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality, engaging lessons.
Our courses cover everything from how to deliver RSE and contraception to consent and child sexual exploitation. They are suitable for professionals at every level.
We have a rolling calendar of training and events, many of which are free, and we offer two continuous professional development certified, on-demand training courses. Our nationally recognised Traffic Light Tool helps professionals to identify, understand and respond appropriately to sexual behaviours in young people, while our Introduction to Safeguarding will suit anyone looking for a comprehensive foundation in safeguarding adults and/or children.
