Mps and Peers, pledge support for high-quality rshe
A partnership between Brook and Sex Education Forum
Why we are seeking your support
RSHE was made a mandatory topic in 2017 with mass cross-party support. In 2019, 538 MPs voted in favour of the statutory guidance: guidance that was informed by, and had widespread support from, organisations across health, education, safeguarding and faith groups.
The draft revised RSHE guidance was published on 16 May 2024. This draft is not underpinned by research or evidence and fails to acknowledge what children and young people tell us they want and need. Should the proposals go ahead, this guidance would create a culture of fear and stigma around key topics that are intrinsic to the comprehensive relationships and sex education needed to keep children and young people safe and healthy.
High-quality RSHE is needed now more than ever
The need for inclusive, high-quality RSHE has not gone away. Many of the problems it addresses have become more acute including safeguarding children online and off; young people’s poor mental and sexual health; exposure to extreme pornography; misogyny, sexual bullying and harassment; and increasing threats to LGBT+ people.
Children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world. The evidence is clear that good RSHE is vital to keep them safe, healthy and thriving.
High-quality RSHE is:
It safeguards children in today’s digital era. It helps them to understand healthy relationships and consent, recognise abuse and ask for help; and reduces gender-based violence.
It is sequenced to prepare children and young people as they move through puberty, adolescence and into adulthood. It is responsive to the questions children ask, and to current and emerging issues.
It celebrates diversity and is relevant to all students, including those who are disabled and neurodivergent, LGBT+, and from a range of cultural and faith backgrounds.
It is informed by research and by children and young people’s experiences, and delivers scientifically accurate information from reliable sources.
It celebrates healthy relationships, not just addressing risk and harm. It engages with boys and young men and helps young people to aspire to relationships that are supportive, caring and pleasurable.
Alongside developing essential knowledge, it facilitates open discussion and plays a vital role in helping children develop crucial life skills.
It is taught by trained, well supported teachers and specialists.
It involves parents and carers who are informed about the development of the curriculum, and consulted to ensure RSHE meets the needs of families.
Find out more about the evidence for inclusive RSHE
What needs to happen next to improve the quality of RSHE?
Investment in training for teachers through initial teacher training and continuing professional development is vital. Teachers who are trained, skilled and knowledgeable will be the key to significant improvement in the quality and consistency of RSHE.
The revised guidance should support schools to:
- Continue and complete the implementation of a comprehensive RSHE curriculum
- Focus on the development of inter-personal skills from early years alongside RSHE knowledge
- Use evidence – school level, local and national data, and consultation with young people – to inform the timing and sequencing of the RSHE curriculum
- Make best use of external resources and organisations to complement in-school expertise
- Improve involvement of parents and carers
- Ensure RSHE is inclusive of, and relevant to, all children from all families
Ways to get involved
1. Sign our online pledge
I support high-quality, inclusive Relationships Sex and Health Education (RSHE) that empowers children and young people to thrive.
As the Government reviews its RSHE guidance, I will stand up for high-quality RSHE that is:
- Protective – keeping children and young people safe in today’s digital era
- Developmentally appropriate – and responsive to the questions children ask, and to current and emerging issues
- Empowering – celebrating healthy relationships, not just addressing risk and harm
- Inclusive – relevant to all students and reflective of the whole community
- Evidence-based – informed by research and by children and young people’s experiences
- Effective – focusing on life skills and open discussion as well as factual knowledge
- Professional – taught by trained teachers and supported by specialists
- Engaged with parents and carers – to ensure RSE meets the needs of families
Pledge your support
Join the 52 MPs that have pledged their support
We may get in touch with you to follow up about your submission, and we reserve the right not to add your name to the list if we cannot verify your identity.
2. Share this page
Share your support on social media using the hashtag #RSHEpledge
Post examples
I’m proud to stand up for high-quality, inclusive Relationships, Sex & Health Education (RSHE) that empowers children and young people to thrive. Sign the @BrookCharity & @sex_ed_forum #RSHEPledge to help protect RSHE in schools: rse.brook.org.uk
I pledge to stand up for RSHE that is: Protective; Developmentally appropriate; Empowering; Inclusive; Evidence-based; Effective; Taught by trained teachers; Engaged with parents & carers. #RSHEPledge rse.brook.org.uk
signatories
52 MPs have pledged their support
Our supporters include:
Every child should receive high quality, age appropriate Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) which should include sexual consent, LGBT+ relationships, and issues surrounding explicit images.
Munira Wilson MP
Because I am very worried that the current Tory government plans to reverse rather than progress inclusive RSE.
Ben Bradshaw MP
Now more than ever, it is essential for children and young people to be equipped with the skills taught in RSHE. Not only must the curriculum covers key topics to promote respectful relationships and tackle abusive attitudes, but teachers must also be trained and supported to deliver this challenging topic in an engaging and effective manner. I am proud to sign a pledge to support these values and ideas, as well as promoting and celebrating the importance of RSHE in all schools.
Sarah Champion MP
It has been a legal requirement to teach Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education since 1 September 2020, now is the point we can review the progress on made and identify what extra support schools need to deliver this important part of the curriculum. I absolutely support high-quality, Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) that empowers & equips children and young people to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing and relationships.
The Rt Hon Dame Maria Miller MP
I want young people to be as well equipped as possible to face the challenges of school, university, work, social media etc. The world they are growing up in is a great deal more complex than even just a few years ago. High quality and inclusive RSHE is so important, and it needs to be relevant to them.
Caroline Nokes MP
I believe that RHSE is an integral part of educating our children and preparing them for life. That’s why the resources need to be available to train and support our teachers undertaking this important role.
John McDonnell MP
Pledge your supportRSHE really matters and, having campaigned for universal access to RSHE, I pledge to stand up for every child and young person’s right to good quality, age appropriate, inclusive RSHE.
Caroline Lucas MP