Gladesmore Community School recognises that RSE is an integral and important part of the education of young people.  We were delighted that this was recognised by the government by the introduction of statutory RSE for all pupils.

Definition: RSE is about the emotional, social and cultural development of pupils, and involves learning about relationships, sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity.  RSE involves a combination of sharing information, and exploring issues and values. RSE is not about the promotion of sexual activity.

At Gladesmore Community School, RSE is part of our ethos.  We have a well-developed and structured PSHE programme which develops knowledge over time in a manner which is age-appropriate, inclusive and supportive.  The PSHE programme is supplemented by visits from external agencies, schemes of work in other subjects and special events in school.  Please see below the most recent government guidance outlining the content for RSE in schools.  

RSE focuses on giving young people the information they need to help them develop healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds including:

• Families
• Respectful relationships, including friendships
• Online and media
• Being safe
• Intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health

We are acutely aware that family life takes many forms.  We ensure that these areas of learning are taught within the context of family life taking care to ensure that there is no stigmatisation of children based on their home circumstances (families can include single parent families, LGBT parents, families headed by grandparents, adoptive parents, foster parents/carers amongst other structures) along with reflecting sensitively that some children may have a different structure of support around them (for example: looked after children or young carers).

To find out more about the detail of our PSHE curriculum, please visit the PSHE subject page.  

Right to Withdraw

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the non-Science components of sex education within RSE up to and until 3 terms before the child turns 16. After this point, if the child wishes to receive sex education rather than being withdrawn, the school will arrange this.

Requests for withdrawal should be put in writing using the form in the policies and documents section and addressed to the headteacher.  A copy of withdrawal requests will be placed in the pupil’s educational record. A senior member of staff will liaise with parents about the request and take appropriate action. Alternative work will be given to pupils who are withdrawn from sex education.