In July 2025 the Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education guidance for schools was updated. These changes should be implemented in September 2026 and are designed to make sure children learn about these topics in a safe, age-appropriate, and respectful way. By making these updates, schools can help children learn about relationships, health, and growing up in a way that is safe, respectful, and supported by families.
Teaching the Right Topics at the Right Time
One of the biggest changes is that schools must now follow clearer rules about when to teach certain topics. For example, lessons about puberty, sexual health, and gender identity should only happen when children are ready for them. The government is introducing an “age rating” system to help schools decide when to teach each topic. This means schools will need to check their lesson plans and make sure they are teaching the right things at the right time.
Keeping Parents Informed
The new guidance says schools must be more open with parents about what their children are learning in Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). Schools will need to share lesson plans and materials ahead of time, so parents know what is being taught. Parents still have the right to take their child out of sex education lessons if they choose. Schools will need to improve how they communicate with parents and make sure they are involved in planning and reviewing RSHE lessons.
Making Sure Lessons Are Safe and Respectful
Teachers will need to be careful when talking about sensitive topics. The guidance says lessons should be based on facts and avoid political or controversial opinions. For example, when teaching about gender identity or sexual orientation, schools should stick to clear, legal information and avoid confusing or upsetting content. Schools will need to train staff to handle these topics carefully and make sure pupils feel safe and supported during lessons.
What Schools Need to Do
These changes mean schools will have to:
- Update their RSHE curriculum to match the new age ratings
- Train teachers to deliver lessons safely and confidently
- Share lesson plans and materials with parents
- Review teaching resources to make sure they are appropriate and factual
Top Tips for Best Safeguarding Practice
1. Map RSHE Content to Safeguarding Risks
- Conduct a safeguarding risk assessment for each RSHE topic, especially those with emotional or identity-related content.
- Identify potential triggers or vulnerabilities and plan mitigations (e.g. opt-outs, support staff presence, follow-up check-ins).
2. Use the Age Ratings as a Safeguarding Tool
- Treat the new age rating system as part of your safeguarding framework, not just curriculum planning.
- Cross-reference age ratings with pupil maturity, SEND needs, and local context to avoid premature or inappropriate exposure.
3. Train Staff in Trauma-Informed RSHE Delivery
- Ensure all RSHE facilitators receive training on handling disclosures, managing emotional responses, and recognising signs of distress.
- Include refresher sessions on statutory safeguarding duties and how RSHE intersects with KCSIE and Working Together guidance.
4. Establish Clear Protocols for Sensitive Disclosures
- Before teaching sensitive content, remind pupils of trusted adults and how to seek help.
- Have a clear, rehearsed protocol for managing disclosures during or after RSHE lessons, including recording and reporting procedures.
5. Involve Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSLs) in Curriculum Planning
- Your DSLs should review RSHE lesson plans and resources to ensure they align with safeguarding principles.
- DSLs can help anticipate safeguarding concerns and advise on appropriate language, tone, and delivery methods.
6. Create a Safe Classroom Culture
- Set ground rules for respectful discussion and confidentiality at the start of every RSHE unit.
- Use anonymous question boxes or digital tools to allow pupils to ask sensitive questions safely.
7. Strengthen Parent Partnerships
- Share RSHE content with parents in advance and offer Q&A sessions to build trust and transparency.
- Provide plain-language summaries and highlight how safeguarding is embedded in RSHE delivery.
8. Monitor and Evaluate Pupil Wellbeing
- Use pupil voice surveys, wellbeing check-ins, and feedback forms to assess the impact of RSHE lessons.
- Follow up with pupils who show signs of discomfort or disengagement and offer additional support where needed.
9. Review External Resources and Visitors
- Vet all external RSHE materials and guest speakers for factual accuracy, safeguarding alignment, and age appropriateness.
- Ensure visitors understand your school’s safeguarding policies and are briefed on handling disclosures.
10. Keep Safeguarding Central in Policy Updates
- Update your RSHE policy to reflect the 2025 guidance and explicitly link it to your safeguarding policy.
- Include safeguarding considerations in staff briefings, governor reports, and curriculum audits.
Soola Georgiou – 19 November 2025