In an apparent doubling down on so-called culture war issues, the government is reportedly set to publish new guidance on when children should be offered sex education, with schools required to provide parents with samples of the material their children will be taught.
The guidance will tell teachers to focus on “biological” facts about sex, warning that ministers view gender identity as a contested subject, and will ban all sex education until year five, when children are aged nine or over, according to a series of reports.
From year five, lessons are to focus simply on conception and birth, with no explicit discussions of sexual acts until they are 13 and over, The Times reports. Children would also not be taught about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and abortion until this age.
The new guidance – expected to be set out by education secretary Gillian Keegan – is said to be part of the government’s response following concerns that some children are receiving age-inappropriate relationships, sex and health education (RSHE).
Mr Sunak commissioned a review into the curriculum last March to “ensure that schools are not teaching inappropriate or contested content” in RHSE lessons, after hearing concerns – including from Conservative MPs – that children were receiving sex education lessons at too young an age.
What are children currently taught at what age?
RSHE was made mandatory in all schools in England from September 2020, with current guidance outlining broad lesson modules on what primary and secondary pupils should be taught about families and healthy relationships – without breaking up the curriculum by key stage, year group or age.
Esta historia es de la edición May 16, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 16, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Battle for a different No 10 may shape England's future
While Keir Starmer's arrival in Downing Street now seems a foregone conclusion, another battle for No 10 this summer looks rather tougher to call.
Clay champions don't need rub of the green in SW19
Iga Swiatek called it a \"huge challenge\", while Carlos Alcaraz wanted to enjoy his third grand slam title before turning his mind to emulating Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Germany hoping for a home run after decade of decline
In the wake of several disastrous tournaments, the Euro 2024 hosts are showing signs they can challenge top sides again
'Balloon war' of North and South Korea may blow up
Propaganda battle is damaging already fraught relations
Blinken pushes Netanyahu on Gaza ceasefire proposals
The US secretary of state Antony Blinken last night urged top Israeli officials to accept and implement a plan for postwar Gaza as he also pushed for more international pressure on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire proposal newly endorsed by the UN Security Council.
Le Pen's 'lion cub' protege prepares to bare his claws
Jordan Bardella, the president of the far-right National Rally party, is seeking to derail Emmanuel Macron's government
This Macron roll of the dice could backfire spectacularly
Emmanuel Macron has taken a massive gamble.
Snap French election 'most consequential' in decades
Parties in scramble to make alliances ahead of first round as EU reels from vote marked by major gains for the far right
Dancer Pernice won't be in the new 'Strictly', says BBC
Giovanni Pernice will not be joining this year's cast of Strictly Come Dancing, it has been announced.
NHS could get joint Covid and flu jab by end of year
A new combined flu and Covid vaccine could be approved for NHS use this year following clinical trials.