Provision of PSE in Scottish schools is “patchy”

MSPs have labelled provision of Personal and Social Education (PSE) in Scotland as “inconsistent and inadequate”.

The conclusion follows a short inquiry by the Scottish Parliament's Education and Skills Committee which looked at how and what should be taught as part of PSE.

The Committee heard there was a lack of consistency in what was being taught throughout Scotland meaning that there was patchy provision in teaching young people about sex and relationships, understanding and accepting diversity, and mental health awareness.

The Scottish Parliament’s education and skills committee is now calling for a review of the delivery of PSE throughout all schools in Scotland.

Committee Convener James Dornan MSP said:

"Whilst the Committee heard about some excellent and innovative examples of how PSE was taught and despite it being a key part of the Curriculum for Excellence nationally, it is clear that in some places PSE is just not a priority.

““The Committee received the views of hundreds of teachers, parents and young people including moving personal stories.. The Committee heard worrying accounts of vital topics such as what constitutes sexual consent and LGBTI issues not being covered. This simply is not good enough. “

Dornan added: “A review of the delivery of PSE in our schools is now a priority and we would ask the Scottish government to instigate this as soon as possible. There are also things schools and local authorities can do now to make sure that children are getting the most from PSE including working with young people to co-design and engage them in the learning process.”