Monday 16th December 2024
Dear Parents/Carers,
RE: Relationships and Health Education (RSHE) Curriculum update
All primary schools must teach Relationships and Health Education (RSHE) and the government has set out guidance about what they expect children to know by the time they leave primary education.
There is no legal requirement for schools to teach sex education but the government recommends children learn about some key areas before they leave primary school. As with other subjects, we work hard to make sure the lessons meet the needs of the children and are age appropriate. These topics are really important in helping children deal with current experiences and also prepare them for the next stage of their education and ultimately for adult life.
We recognise the important role you play in educating your children and this is especially true for RSHE. It is important that children can discuss and ask questions both at home and at school.
At Kelvin Grove, we use lesson plans from Kapow Primary, an online provider of resources for primary schools. These lessons cover the statutory requirements and have been carefully planned to be age appropriate. They also give children the opportunity for children to revisit topics in different year groups – this is important as they will learn more and see things differently as they mature.
The lessons are divided up into three overarching themes.
- Families and relationships
- Health and wellbeing
- Safety and the changing body
Below is a summary of the areas covered within each theme:
| Families and relationships | Health and wellbeing | Safety and the changing body |
| How to form and maintain positive relationshipsImportance of familyDifferent types of familiesDealing with problems in friendshipsOnline relationships, including staying safeStereotyping | Mental health and well being Healthy eatingPhysical activity Dental health Importance of sleep MedicinesTobaccoAlcoholFirst aid | Online safety Safety around adultsUnderstanding their body Physical changes in puberty Emotional changes during puberty Asking for help when needed |
You can look at the coverage for your child’s year group on our website here. This document also suggest ways you can support at home.
All of the content in from EYFS – Year 5 is statutory and therefore all children should be taught it. As with any other subject, teachers will ensure that the lesson is taught in such a way which means all children should be able to access it. As a parent, you cannot withdraw your child from any statutory content on either relationships or health. You do have the right to withdraw your child from the sex education content that we choose to teach in Year 6, apart from what is covered by National Curriculum science. The parent document on the website clearly outlines which lesson this refers to. If you have any questions or concerns, or wish to consider withdrawing your child, you must contact school to arrange a meeting with Mr Hyde.
Your child’s RSHE unit of learning is in Spring 1. Please do look at the parent guide on the website so you are fully informed of what is being covered.