Letters to the Editor: Make relationships education statutory

News of any initiative to support children experiencing domestic abuse is encouraging, such as Victim Support’s pilot projects in schools (‘DfE backs domestic abuse projects’). However, voluntary agencies’ input will be inconsistent and based on uncertain funding streams.

A consultation on personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) shows that 30 per cent of respondents felt that relationships education should be statutory.

The government ought to listen to Jahmene Douglas, himself a witness of parental domestic violence, and now youth ambassador for Women’s Aid. He says we need “to teach teachers how to teach about domestic violence”.

Although the DfE says all schools should teach PSHE, it is not surprising if schools prioritise exam results. Any child who experiences domestic violence is entitled to support. This must be universally available.
A local authority safeguarding children adviser

Youth workers can help PSHE in schools
There is an obvious answer to Ofsted’s recent criticism of schools’ inadequate teaching of PSHE: get youth workers into formal education. Youth workers have the experience and skills to facilitate the kind of open and honest discussions that young people need.

Understanding relationships and sexuality is part of developing into adults. Young people need much more than the mechanics of reproduction to protect themselves and to keep safe in our 21st century world. Youth workers in schools are already delivering PSHE as well as broader youth work programmes.
Fiona Blacke, chief executive, National Youth Agency

Residential child care reforms welcomed
Independent Children’s Homes Association members will co-operate with reforms to residential child care (‘Government unveils plans to make children’s homes safer’).

Our common aim is to protect and promote the interests of vulnerable looked-after children. But we hope children’s minister Edward Timpson also focuses on local authorities and fostering. No part of the system should be seen in isolation. Every part is inextricably linked.

Society only secures positive children’s homes in a positive children’s services system. This requires shared responsibility by national and local government in ensuring the right placement at the right time for each child.
Jonathan Stanley, chief executive, ICHA