RSHE Information

Involving parents is integral to the new guidance. Paragraph 41 states that ‘All schools should work closely with parents when planning and delivering these subjects. Schools should ensure that parents know what will be taught and when, and clearly communicate the fact that parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of sex education delivered as part of statutory RSE.’ Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from the sex education that is delivered as part of the RES sessions, but not from the relationship’s aspect. This can only be granted from 3 terms before their 16th birthday, after that if the child wants to receive sex education this must be granted without parental consent.

Sometimes disclosures may be made during these sessions. In such cases, safeguarding procedures must be followed immediately.  Sometimes it is clear that certain children may need time to talk one-to-one after the circle closes. It is important to allow the time and appropriate staffing for this to happen. If disclosures occur, the school’s safeguarding policy is followed. Cloughside College will ensure that all of our teaching is sensitive and age appropriate in approach and content.

Establishing a safe, open and positive learning environment based on trusting relationships between all members of the session is vital. Ground rules will be established on an individual or small group basis and will include the following:  

• We take turns to speak
• We use kind and positive words
• We listen to each other
• We have the right to pass
• We only use names when giving compliments or when being positive
• We respect each other’s privacy (confidentiality)

The Sex Education programme will be taught on a needs led basis. Need will be identified based on conversations with the student, their community school, their parents and the MDT.  It may be important to involve, inform and educate parents when necessary, offering support and guidance where required.

Co-ordination is essential to ensure continuity and progression. The work is mainly co- ordinated by the SENCo who is responsible for any bespoke Sex Education taught through 1:1 sessions with input from MDT and clinical psychologists.  PSHE sessions are taught by all key teachers. The programme will cover relationships and sex education. Some students will be given additional lessons on a needs led basis due to the nature of our setting. Need will be identified based on conversations with the student, their community school, their parents and the MDT. Any student who needs this specific kind of session, will have involvement from our on-site psychologists and social worker in the delivery.  Staff have been provided with bespoke training on SRE through the organisation Split Banana.

The following will be implemented in regards to confidentiality and advice for both students and staff:

• Develop understanding of laws and responsibilities around sexual exploitation, sexual assault and rape.
• Reassuring students that their best interest will be maintained encouraging students to talk – to parents or carers and supporting them in this issue.
• Reassuring students that if confidentiality has to be broken, they will be informed and supported.
• Any possibility of abuse will follow the schools Child Protection Procedure.
• Informing students of sources of confidential advice and help.
• Using ground rules, which should be set in the first session - refraining from use of names, no personal questions, etc.
• If there are any child protection disclosures made during SRE sessions that the school’s safeguarding procedures are followed accordingly.

Within the context of talking about relationships, children will be taught about a wide range of relationships, including same sex, and different family arrangements, emphasising the positive qualities of family life in all its forms. They must be taught to recognise the need for commitment, trust and love in meaningful relationships.

Cloughside College value and encourage the partnership with parents. Parents do have the right to withdraw their child from the SRE delivered through PSHE but this does not extend to the Sex Education taught as part of the science curriculum. This can only be done up to three terms before the child’s 16th birthday, after which the child can make the decision to study this without parental consent. 

Due to the nature of our setting, students with additional needs can be admitted to the hospital with minimal notice.  RSE must be accessible for all pupils. This can include students with Autism, Dyslexia, and Visual Impairments and hearing difficulties. Resources and sessions will be tailored and individualised to fit the specific needs of the students. Resources will include pictorial books, sensory stories and written format.

Cloughside will be mindful of the preparing for adulthood outcomes as set out in the SEND code of practice, when teaching these subjects to those with SEND. Cloughside College is aware that some pupils are more vulnerable to exploitation, bullying and engaging in unhealthy relationships due to the nature of their SEND. RSE can also be particularly important subjects for some pupils for example those with social, emotional and mental health needs or learning disabilities.

As with all teaching for these subjects, Cloughside College will ensure that the delivery is sensitive, age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate and delivered with reference to the law.