About this guidance

This is statutory guidance from the Department. It aims to address those areas of uncertainty, and guide schools and teachers on some of the sensitive issues schools may have to tackle when teaching sex and relationship education. It also outlines some practical strategies for teaching and addresses some of the issues for schools concerning confidentiality.

Expiry/review date

This guidance is currently under review as part of the review of personal, social and health education (PSHE).

What legislation does this relate to?

  • the 1996 Education Act, s.403.

Who is this guidance for?

This is guidance for

  • teachers;
  • headteachers; and
  • governing bodies.

The guidance applies to maintained schools, academies and Free Schools.

Key points

This guidance includes information on:

  • developing a policy for sex and relationship education;
  • specific issues when teaching sex and relationship education;
  • sex and relationship education within PSHE;
  • teaching strategies for sex and relationship education;
  • working with parents;
  • working with the wider community; and
  • confidentiality.