Teachers views wanted for the new sex education curriculum

Teachers are being asked for their views on what should be included in the new sex and relationships education curriculum.

As reported by Schools Week, the government has launched a call for evidence in order to update guidance on what should be taught when sex education becomes compulsory in 2019.

Earlier this year, Parliament voted to make relationship education compulsory for all children from the age of four, and sex education for all children aged 11 and older.

Parliament voted earlier this year to make relationships education compulsory for all children from the age of four, and sex education compulsory for all children aged 11 and over.

At the moment, only local authority-maintained schools have to teach sex education as part of the national curriculum, but from September 2019, this requirement will be extended to academies.

Ministers are also set to update guidance on sex and relationships education curriculum content, to reflect issues that have resulted due to use of internet by young people, such as pornography, sexting and staying safe online.

The guidance has not been updated since 2000.

Education secretary Justine Greening is making the call for evidence and will last eight weeks.

Although it is not a formal government consultation, any member of the public can respond.

Schools Week understands a questionnaire will appear on the Department for Education’s website later this morning.