Overview

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

Description

Key Provisions:

The bill amends the Education Act 2002 and the Education Act 1996 to include PSHE as a mandatory subject in all state-funded schools. PSHE must cover sex and relationships education, ending violence against women and girls, emotional and mental health, equality, substance abuse, personal safety (including online safety), physical health, and personal finance/careers. The specific curriculum details will be determined by each school's governing body and headteacher, but must adhere to principles of accuracy, age-appropriateness, and promotion of equality and diversity. The Secretary of State will issue and regularly review guidance on best practice, informed by government strategies and UN declarations.

Teacher Training and Guidance:

The bill requires the Secretary of State to ensure PSHE is included in initial and continuing teacher education and to provide guidance on best practice in delivering and inspecting PSHE. This guidance will focus on safeguarding, healthy relationships, consent, recognizing and reporting abuse, and accessing support.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, costs are anticipated for developing and disseminating guidance, teacher training, and potentially curriculum development resources. The actual amount will depend on the scale of the initiatives implemented by the government.

Groups Affected

• Schools: All state-funded schools in England and Wales will need to implement PSHE, potentially requiring curriculum changes and teacher training.
• Teachers: Teachers will require additional training to deliver the expanded PSHE curriculum effectively and appropriately.
• Pupils: All pupils in state-funded schools will receive mandatory PSHE education, impacting their learning experience.
• Parents/Guardians: They will have a role in shaping the implementation of PSHE within their child's school.
• Government: The government will be responsible for funding teacher training, guidance development, and potentially curriculum resources.

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