Introduction to age appropriate relationship & sex education (RSE)

BigTalk Education hold face to face parent and carer sessions and find that many have the same questions and concerns when they first hear their children are going to receive RSE lessons. As we specialise in age-appropriate delivery from four years old, we have detailed for you some of the most common questions we hear, particularly focused on parents of younger pupils.

What is high quality relationship & sex education?

The law requires that, from September 2020, relationships and sex education (RSE) is taught in all secondary schools in England, and that relationships education is taught in all primary schools in England. In addition, National Curriculum Science (which is taught in maintained schools) includes some elements of sex education. 

Identified elements of high quality RSE as defined by a group of Professionals and Young People, which was endorsed by the NCB, The Sex Education Forum, Barnardo’s, NSPCC and The Children’s society were….

  • RSE is an identifiable part of a personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum, which has planned, timetabled lessons across all the Key Stages
  • It is taught by staff regularly trained in RSE and PSHE (with expert visitors invited in to enhance and supplement the programme where appropriate).
  • Good quality RSE works in partnership with parents and carers, informing them about what their children will be learning and about how they can contribute at home.
  • It is delivered in lessons where pupils feel safe and encourages participation by using a variety of teaching approaches with opportunities to develop critical thinking and relationship skills
  • It is based on reliable sources of information, including about the law and legal rights, and distinguishes between fact and opinion.
  • Good age appropriate RSE promotes safe, equal, caring and enjoyable relationships and discusses real-life issues appropriate to the age and stage of pupils, including friendships, families, consent, relationship abuse, sexual exploitation and safe relationships online.
  • It gives a positive view of human sexuality, with honest and medically accurate information, so that pupils can learn about their bodies and sexual and reproductive health in ways that are appropriate to their age and maturity.
  • It provides pupils with opportunities to reflect on values and influences (such as from peers, media, faith and culture) that may shape their attitudes to relationships and sex, and nurtures respect for different views.
  • It includes learning about how to get help and treatment from sources such as the school nurse and other health and advice services, including reliable information online.
  • Meets the needs of all pupils with their diverse experiences – including those with special educational needs and disabilities
  • Seeks pupils’ views about RSE so that teaching can be made relevant to their real lives and assessed and adapted as their needs change

Operation Hydrant is the police initiative set up in 2014 to coordinate investigations into allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse. This factsheet from Operation Hydrant gives some basic information on reporting historic abuse to the police and what is involved.

To report non-recent child abuse to the Police

Operation Hydrant is the police initiative set up in 2014 to coordinate investigations into allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse. This factsheet from Operation Hydrant gives some basic information on reporting historic abuse to the police and what is involved.

To report non-recent child abuse to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

The Truth Project was set up for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to share their experiences in a supportive and confidential setting. It’s part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) which was set up in 2015 to investigate organisations and institutions that have failed to protect children from sexual abuse.

HAVOCA – Help for Adult Victims Of Child Abuse
HAVOCA is run by survivors for adult survivors of child abuse. They provide support, friendship and advice for any adult who’s life has been affected by childhood abuse. Their website includes information on finding professional help, a survivors forum and details on survivors support groups near you.
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. Their website also contains free online resources and information on legal advice, support groups and much more.
One in Four
One in Four specializes in supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse, and particularly survivors of child sexual abuse and trauma. They can assist in helping survivors access long-term, low cost Counselling for men and women over 18 years,  psychoeducation groups and workshops plus advocacy and help with reporting abuse.
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis offer help if you've experienced rape, child sexual abuse or any kind of sexual violence. They can provide details of local Rape Crisis services.
Samaritans
Whatever you are going through you can always speak to someone at Samaritans. As a non-religious organisation offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. Call them on 116 123.24 hours a day free of charge. Alternatively you can visit your local Samaritans branch.
Survivors UK
Survivors UK is a charity for specifically for Male survivors of rape and sexual abuse. They can offer a range of support services including counselling and therapy appointments as well as online chat. All services are provided by trained professionals who as specialists in the field of male sexual violence have helped many men to work through their experiences.
Victim Support
Victim Support is a UK charity which delivers tailored support to help people recover from the effects of crime and traumatic events. They can provide emotional and practical help. They also have resources for children & young people that have been victims, as well as their parents and teachers.
Rehab for Addiction

Rehab for Addiction aids individuals affected by substance misuse and their loved ones, providing a wide array of services to guide you towards the most effective treatments. They support with alcohol rehab, drug rehab, detox services, intervention, aftercare, and outpatient counseling, all facilitated by various reputable UK Private Addiction Rehab or NHS/Council-Funded providers.

Parent’s sex education questions answsered

We answer the most frequently asked questions that parents’ ask us about Relationship & Sex Education. 

Parent’s feedback on the Growing Up Safe programme

We answer the most frequently asked questions that parents’ ask us about Relationship & Sex Education.

Helplines and support for parents

Information about who you can speak to if you are (or were) affected by any of the topics we speak to children about.

Relationship & sex education books

Have a look at the Books and resources offered by BigTalk Education to help you speak to your child about their bodies and where babies come from.