Relationships, Health and Sex Education at Barnett Wood 

What is Relationships, Health and Sex Education? 

The Government’s definition is this: “It is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about the understanding of the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality, and sexual health. It is not about the promotion of sexual activity – this would be inappropriate teaching.” (Department for Education and Employment, SRE Guidance, 2000)

What are the aims of RHSE? 

There are four main aims for teaching RHSE within the context of Primary School PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education):

 • To enable young people to understand and respect their bodies, and be able to cope with the changes puberty brings, without fear or confusion

 • To help young people develop positive and healthy relationships appropriate to their age, development etc. (respect for self and others)

 • To support young people to have positive self-esteem and body image, and to understand the influences and pressures around them

 • To empower them to be safe and safeguarded

From September 2020, Relationships Education became statutory in all primary schools in England. In line with government guidance, it is recommended that age-appropriate sex education is also taught in all primary schools. For more information, the Department for Education RHSE Guidance as well as Barnett Wood's Relationships, Health and Sex Education Policy are available below: