Parents' relationship and sex education questions answered

Relationship & sex education FAQs
At BigTalk Education we run sessions for parents almost every day and we find that many parents have the same questions and concerns. We have answered some of the most common questions below. However, we encourage every parent of a primary school child to attend our parents session, at your school when we visit, so we can answer your questions about your child.

Frequently asked questions

What is RSE?
  • Relationship & Sex Education is an umbrella term used to describe a whole host of topics not just reproduction; some things are vital for even a four-year-old to be aware of, for example good and bad touches.
  • Age appropriateness is the key, using the words, resources and approach that is most effective when addressing the issues relevant to their age as they grow and mature.
Sex Education at a young age, surely not?
  • Because it’s easier and safeguarding from an early age is essential.
  • Young children are fabulous, as all parents know they ask loads of questions, not least of all about their bodies and your body!
  • If they are asking questions they deserve answers.
  • Ask yourself how would you like your children to learn about their bodies, their relationships and how babies are made?
Relationship and sex education is the job of the parents, why are you here?
  • Not all Parents/Carers feel confident or knowledgeable, scared they may say too much or too little plus virtually all Parents think it is will be covered at School at some point.
  • Not all Teachers feel adequately trained and confident to deliver a rapidly changing subject that may compromise their knowledge and question their values.
  • Relationship & sex education as a subject became statutory in ALL Schools from September 2020 and was updated in July 2025. We are asked into Schools to support Staff,  Parents and the children, we all need to work together to keep children safe.
Won’t relationship and sex education take away the children’s innocence?
  • Nothing takes away innocence quicker then sexual abuse.
  • Knowledge about their bodies won’t stop them wanting to fly kites, go sledging or make sand castles.
  • When body science is discussed they just add it to their knowledge bank, it is often us as adults that have the concerns.
  • The world is changing and protecting our children with age appropriate information about risk is vital.
Why do children need to know the words penis and vagina?
  • It is really important that children know the correct scientific names for their genitals along with other parts of their bodies.
  • In the event of them ever being inappropriately touched they have the vocabulary to give exact information.
  • For example, “they touched my Minnie/tuppence/flower” is very vague as opposed to “they touched my vagina”.
  • Child abusers prefer uneducated children – those who don’t have the words and knowledge of what’s right and wrong.
  • Research shows that an educated child is three times more likely to speak out if they are subjected to abuse.
Do children really need sex education? I didn’t have sex education when I was at School.
  • When today’s adults were at School the world was a very different place, no mobile phones with cameras, no sexting, no easy available access to pornography or strangers via the Internet.
  • It is imperative we educate children to be aware of the risks, so they know to come to trusted adults with their questions about their bodies, relationships and sex etc. rather than the internet.
Our family have a strong faith and we don't want our children to know these things.

At BigTalk Education we work with schools and families with a wide range of faiths. We give children and young people, age appropriate factual information, delivered in a calm and gentle way. Unfortunately, abusers have no regard or respect for religion or family beliefs, so it is important that all children are given this type of education. With the ease of access to unreliable sources of information on every computer and smart phone, it is important that children know that they can speak to their trusted adults about all topics. Because if we do not educate them, they will look for the information in places (and from people) that are not reliable sources and that could put them at risk. Please have a read through our information on how our work complements school and family values on our Faith School page and come along to our parents session to discuss any specific concerns with our team.

How can I find out more?
  • BigTalk Education have published a book Bodies, Babies and Bellybuttons for use with four year olds and upwards, also suitable for special educational needs pupils and those on the Autism spectrum. View our Resources page for more information.

Introduction to age appropriate RSE

Our guide to high quality, age appropriate relationship and sex education for your child, helping you know what to expect from us.

Parents’ of spectrum children: FAQs

Information for children on the autism spectrum and related disorders, including why high quality RSE is vital for your child.

Parents’ of SEND children: FAQs

Information for parents of special educational needs and disabled children, including our mainstream and special school programmes.

Parents’ feedback on the Growing Up Safe programme

Read the comments of other parents and their experiences with the Growing Up Safe programme.

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.