Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill mandates Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), including Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) and education on ending violence against women and girls, as a statutory requirement in all state-funded schools in England and Wales. It also requires teacher training and government guidance on best practices for delivering and inspecting PSHE and SRE.

Description

The bill amends the Education Act 2002 and the Education Act 1996 to make PSHE a compulsory part of the curriculum for all state-funded schools. PSHE will encompass several key areas:

• Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)
• Education on ending violence against women and girls
• Emotional, mental and wellbeing
• Equality
• Alcohol, tobacco and drug education
• Individual safety (including online)
• Physical health, nutrition and physical activity
• Personal finance, careers, enterprise and employability

The specific curriculum detail will be determined by the governing body and head teacher of each school, guided by principles of accuracy, age-appropriateness, and promotion of equality and diversity. The Secretary of State will provide guidance, informed by government strategies and UN declarations, and will review this annually. The bill also mandates initial and continuing teacher education on PSHE and SRE.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it will likely lead to increased costs associated with teacher training, curriculum development, and the creation and dissemination of guidance materials. The exact financial impact will depend on the scale of the implementation and support provided.

Groups Affected

• Schools: Will be required to implement PSHE and SRE curricula, potentially requiring adjustments to existing timetables and resources.
• Teachers: Will need additional training and resources to effectively deliver the expanded curriculum.
• Pupils: Will receive a broader education covering health, relationships, finance, and other crucial life skills.
• Parents: May have varying perspectives on the content of the curriculum, particularly regarding SRE and related topics.
• Government: Will incur costs related to teacher training, guidance development, and monitoring implementation.