Written Question · S4W-29199 · Session 4
What sex and relationship education is provided in (a) schools for (i) disabled children and (ii) children with additional support needs an…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what sex and relationship education is provided in (a) schools for (i) disabled children and (ii) children with additional support needs and (b) young offender institutions, and whether this includes information on how to access (A) confidential and sexual and reproductive healthcare services, (B) contraceptives and (C) support in cases of sexual abuse or exploitation.
The answer
All schools under local authority control are expected to teach the experiences and outcomes for relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) education in Curriculum for Excellence. The statutory responsibility for delivering the curriculum rests with local authorities and schools. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education inspect all schools in Scotland and any shortcomings in educational provision should be reported. All adults in schools have a responsibility to promote healthy, safe, respectful relationships.
Curriculum for Excellence is intended for all children and young people in Scotland, aged 3 to 18, according to their stage of development. This includes those with additional support needs (which includes disabled children and young people) as well as at risk and vulnerable young people who may be looked after and accommodated. The curriculum is intended for all pupils in all educational settings, including special schools. It is recognised that children and young people in school and not in school require initial and on-going high quality RSHP education.
The guidance Conduct of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education in Schools, http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0046/00465948.pdf, states in paragraph 48:
“All children and young people should be encouraged to understand the importance of consent, dignity and respect for themselves and the views of others. They should be encouraged to recognise the risks, the physical, emotional and moral implications of their behaviours, and to accept the need for both partners to behave responsibly. Where appropriate, young people should be made aware of how to access confidential local young people’s sexual health services and additional information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights.”
RSHP education should be delivered within the wider context of wellbeing and child protection. It should be viewed both as part of a proactive approach to keeping children and young people safe from harm as well as part of a child’s education and overall wellbeing. It discusses support in child sexual exploitation (CSE) cases. Paragraphs 12 and 13 of the guidance make clear that "RSHP education has a crucial role in protecting children and young people from CSE and helping young people to identify abuse. Teachers should therefore consider the use of available and appropriate CSE educational materials as part of RSHP education delivery."
Sex and relationship education is provided to young people in custody in several different contexts, including at induction, within parenting classes and through specialised programmes. Themes covered include domestic abuse, sexualisation and stereotypes, rape and consent. One-to-one support is offered at the end of the sessions, enabling referral to the Barnardo’s Here and Now service which deals with trauma, loss and bereavement issues, including sexual abuse and exploitation.
Parenting programmes aim to support young people to make positive choices around their sexual health and relationships, to be aware of media and societal messages about sex and relationships, coercion and exploitation within relationships. Programmes seek to address sexual health and wellbeing, increase familiarity and confidence in relation to contraception and provide information on where to access services and information.
Young people who require specialist interventions in relation to sex and relationships undertake group work to increase their knowledge, understanding and awareness of relevant topics and encourage them to take responsibility for their sexual behaviour, including the use of technology. They explore gender roles in society, encouraging group members to think about their personal view of gender roles and how their views and behaviours have been shaped.
In addition, all young people also have access, directly through NHS, to information on sexual health and referral routes for advice and support.
Curriculum for Excellence is intended for all children and young people in Scotland, aged 3 to 18, according to their stage of development. This includes those with additional support needs (which includes disabled children and young people) as well as at risk and vulnerable young people who may be looked after and accommodated. The curriculum is intended for all pupils in all educational settings, including special schools. It is recognised that children and young people in school and not in school require initial and on-going high quality RSHP education.
The guidance Conduct of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education in Schools, http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0046/00465948.pdf, states in paragraph 48:
“All children and young people should be encouraged to understand the importance of consent, dignity and respect for themselves and the views of others. They should be encouraged to recognise the risks, the physical, emotional and moral implications of their behaviours, and to accept the need for both partners to behave responsibly. Where appropriate, young people should be made aware of how to access confidential local young people’s sexual health services and additional information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights.”
RSHP education should be delivered within the wider context of wellbeing and child protection. It should be viewed both as part of a proactive approach to keeping children and young people safe from harm as well as part of a child’s education and overall wellbeing. It discusses support in child sexual exploitation (CSE) cases. Paragraphs 12 and 13 of the guidance make clear that "RSHP education has a crucial role in protecting children and young people from CSE and helping young people to identify abuse. Teachers should therefore consider the use of available and appropriate CSE educational materials as part of RSHP education delivery."
Sex and relationship education is provided to young people in custody in several different contexts, including at induction, within parenting classes and through specialised programmes. Themes covered include domestic abuse, sexualisation and stereotypes, rape and consent. One-to-one support is offered at the end of the sessions, enabling referral to the Barnardo’s Here and Now service which deals with trauma, loss and bereavement issues, including sexual abuse and exploitation.
Parenting programmes aim to support young people to make positive choices around their sexual health and relationships, to be aware of media and societal messages about sex and relationships, coercion and exploitation within relationships. Programmes seek to address sexual health and wellbeing, increase familiarity and confidence in relation to contraception and provide information on where to access services and information.
Young people who require specialist interventions in relation to sex and relationships undertake group work to increase their knowledge, understanding and awareness of relevant topics and encourage them to take responsibility for their sexual behaviour, including the use of technology. They explore gender roles in society, encouraging group members to think about their personal view of gender roles and how their views and behaviours have been shaped.
In addition, all young people also have access, directly through NHS, to information on sexual health and referral routes for advice and support.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-29199 by reference.