Towards the end of the previous government’s tenure, a draft version of updated R(S)HE guidance came out. As with many things in the world of certain aspects of the PSHE curriculum, it didn’t gently roll into the public view, it came screeching in with accompanying sirens by those with a lot of opinion to say, but possibly less factual knowledge.

Seemingly having taken notice of some media coverage, there were some proposed changes in the draft document which from my perspective as an Education Adviser in Safeguarding and RSHE did not seem to safeguard children’s physical health or mental wellbeing adequately.

The perspective of some campaign groups and the then government was summed up by the then Secretary of State for Education as saying that “children will be protected from inappropriate teaching on sensitive topics” – by this she meant that children would not learn about certain safeguarding topics until a given age  (FGM not before 14 despite girls being at risk from birth until before marriage) and that certain topics would not be taught at all (gender identity).

The proposed changes were extensively covered in the media – I recommend looking at an informed website such the PSHE Association for a reasoned discussion of the full changes. This doesn’t mean the consultation didn’t propose some positive aspects, such as the teaching of grief and loss at primary and gambling, scams and other financial online harms at secondary. Yet, it fell short of keeping children safe physically and emotionally.

We now seem to have lost the momentum for any change. Since the 2024 change of government, we haven’t had any update on whether the draft will be withdrawn completely, amended or go ahead without change (which I sincerely doubt).

So where does that leave schools?

• The 2019 guidance is still statutory – that means you teach according to those statements. No age limits are yet in place except for the general statutory guidance that “by the end of primary school” or “by the end of secondary school” pupils should know…  That gives you endless flexibility – if you think your demographic of pupils and families means a topic should be covered at an earlier age, you can introduce it then. The key thing is to ensure that all topics are dealt with impartially and in an age and stage appropriate manner, using resources that have sound pedagogy behind them.
• Despite the Cass Review outcomes and much media discourse, you can continue to discuss diversity in our society and include different sexual orientation and gender identity. The duty to ensure that pupils learn about life in Modern Britain means that discussing difference with positivity is key.  You should also recognise that some people do not share the same views – as that’s a feature of Modern Britain too.
• You have a duty to follow the Equality Act 2010 with its Protected Characteristics (and the Public Sector Equality Duty for many settings) – however as no one protected characteristic is above another, it is also important to recognise there can be a tension between people’s different views. It’s ok to reference the fact that some religious views do not recognise gay marriage for example – that is life in Modern Britain.
• The current RSHE guidance promotes the importance of this crucial subject – talking of clear leadership roles and the key role of assessment. This is how we truly prepare pupils for life in Modern Britain – we check that their knowledge and practical skills allow them to keep themselves safe as they grow into independent adults. Check your provision allows for this fully.
• Despite no announcement from the government to update the guidance or keep the existing guidance, we can’t treat this key life-skills subject as being less important or optional. We need to review our provision and aim high.

I’ll finish with this quote:

”Momentum in perseverance means never losing sight of the goal, no matter how far away it seems.” – Maya Angelou

We don’t know how far away any change to statutory guidance may be, or what that might look like, but the goal of supporting young people to become happy, confident, safe and productive members of society is a goal we recognise and aim towards every day.

We need to persevere through the times when this subject is challenged by those who don’t fully understand the goal and instead perceive a political (or other) viewpoint is in play. Together, as educators, we can display momentum in perseverance.

About the Author

Jo Perrin - Interim School Support Lead,  Adviser, Services For Education

Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.

With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues. She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham and the NHS focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo’s has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine and an article for SEND magazine.

Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL qualification, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.

With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.