Learn and Thrive's Response to the Draft Revised RSHE Guidance
As a charity dedicated to supporting learners with Down's syndrome and learning difficulties, we at Learn and Thrive are deeply concerned by the proposed changes in the draft revised Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) guidance.
Our organisation strives for a world where everyone with Down's syndrome thrives, using digital tools and specialised learning programs to empower our community. We believe that the new guidance, which introduces restrictive age-ratings and omits essential topics, threatens the well-being and development of all young people, especially those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Key Concerns
Lack of Inclusivity: The draft guidance fails to account for the specific needs of young people with learning difficulties, including Down's syndrome. These individuals require tailored, explicit, and consistent RSHE content that begins early and builds over time to reinforce essential safety and health messages.
Delayed Safeguarding Information: Age-ratings proposed in the guidance delay the teaching of critical topics such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, and understanding pornography. This is particularly problematic for young people with Down's syndrome, who are already vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. They need early, clear, and repeated messages to grasp and retain critical safeguarding information.
Impact on SEND Learners: The new guidelines do not reflect the unique needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). By delaying or omitting key information, the guidance creates barriers to effective learning and puts these students at greater risk of harm.
Lack of Evidence-Based Approach: The guidance does not align with the national and international evidence on RSHE effectiveness. It disregards what young people say they need from RSHE, and it contradicts the evidence commissioned by the Government itself.
Exclusion of LGBT+ Topics: The draft guidance’s discretionary approach to LGBT+ inclusivity in primary schools and the exclusion of gender identity discussions foster environments where misinformation and bullying can thrive. This exclusion is detrimental to the mental health and well-being of young people, including those from LGBT+ families or those exploring their gender identity.
What You Need to Know
The public consultation on the draft revised RSHE guidance is open until 11th July 2024. It is crucial that everyone, including educators, parents, students, and organisations, take part in this consultation to ensure that the final guidance meets the diverse needs of all young people, particularly those with Down's syndrome and other learning difficulties.
Schools should not make any changes to their RSHE curriculum at this time. The guidance is currently in draft form and is subject to revision based on the feedback received during the public consultation. This means that the existing RSHE curriculum remains in effect until further notice.
There is hope and anticipation that the consultation process will lead to significant improvements in the guidance. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide detailed and constructive feedback to influence these revisions positively.
How to Engage
Respond to the Consultation: Make your voice heard by participating in the public consultation. Your insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping a more inclusive and effective RSHE curriculum.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest developments in the consultation process and the finalisation of the guidance.
Advocate: Support efforts to ensure that the RSHE curriculum remains inclusive, evidence-based, and reflective of the needs of all learners, particularly those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Together, we can create an educational environment where every young person, regardless of their abilities or background, is empowered to thrive.
Here are the key links to help you be informed on the proposed changes, and fill out the consultation survey the Government have released. The deadline for completing this survey is the 11th July.
Draft RSE and Health Education Statutory Guidance Document - GOV.UK
Consultation on Draft Guidance - GOV.UK
Online Survey - Give Your Views on Draft Guidance - GOV.UK - This is where you can express your views
Guidance on Filling out the Online Survey (for Young People) - Sexpression UK
Guidance on the RSHE Consultation - Sex Education Forum
Guide to completing the Online Survey:
If you have less than 30 minutes
Just respond to the multiple choice / Yes/No answer questions.
If you have 30 - 60 minutes
Answer all the questions, ensuring to use your own words. Many other sources, including the Sexpression guidance above, will have guides on what to include which can advise your answers, but make sure not to copy and paste. Copied answers may not be accepted and your contribution will be nullified.