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

The bill amends the Education Act 2002 and the Education Act 1996 to legally require all state-funded schools to include PSHE in their curriculum. PSHE will cover:

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

The specific curriculum details will be determined by the governing body and head teacher of each school, but must adhere to principles of accuracy, balance, 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 international declarations, and including a strong emphasis on safeguarding.

The bill also mandates that initial and continuing teacher education must include PSHE.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any figures for government spending. However, implementing the new requirements will likely involve costs related to teacher training, curriculum development, and the production and distribution of guidance materials. The exact amount of these costs is unknown.

Groups Affected

• Schools: All state-funded schools in England and Wales will be required to implement PSHE, potentially requiring curriculum changes and teacher training.
• Teachers: Teachers will need to undergo additional training to deliver the required PSHE curriculum effectively.
• Pupils: All pupils in state-funded schools will receive PSHE education, potentially impacting their knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards various social, health, and economic issues.
• Parents/Guardians: Parents may have varying views on the content of PSHE and SRE, potentially leading to engagement with schools to understand the curriculum.
• Government: The government will be responsible for funding teacher training, providing guidance, and monitoring the implementation of the bill.

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