Report shows overwhelming support for statutory PSHE

A new report published by a coalition of education organisations shows overwhelming support for making personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education a compulsory subject for all pupils in all schools.

The report, which is co-authored and supported by school leaders’ union NAHT, the National Education Union (NEU), NSPCC, Sex Education Forum, and PSHE Association, outlines how making PSHE statutory would have a meaningful impact on children and young people’s lives, in return for only a modest impact on workload and timetabling.

More than 90 per cent of school leaders surveyed by NAHT support compulsory PSHE and 91 per cent of National Education Union members want regular space on the curriculum for the subject. It has been further called for by more than 90 per cent of young people, parents and experts alike.

Sarah Hannafin, senior policy advisor for NAHT, said: “Almost everyone involved with the care, protection and education of children believes that PSHE is the best way to help prepare young people for the challenges they will encounter in their adult lives and the current challenges they face beyond the school gates. With ever-increasing expectations and responsibilities on schools, statutory PSHE would ensure some curriculum time is protected to enable children and young people to learn about key issues including physical and mental wellbeing, online safety, healthy relationships and preparation for the workplace.”

Sarah Hannafin continued: “It’s important that PSHE is given statutory status. The school curriculum is over-stretched but it is vital that we give space to preparing pupils for their lives in the real world, not just for exams. The government is due to announce a crucial decision on the future of PSHE soon, and we really hope that they will listen to educators and experts by making the subject mandatory in all schools.”

The report, called ‘The Statutory PSHE Education: meaningful change supported by busy teachers & school leaders’ is co-authored and endorsed by organisations covering the breadth of PSHE education, from health to drugs education, financial education to relationships and sex: NSPCC; NAHT; NEU; Sex Education Forum; PSHE Association; Young Enterprise; British Heart Foundation, St John Ambulance, British Red Cross (Every Child a Life Saver coalition); Brook; Mentor UK; Economy.

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