RSE

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Information for Parents and Carers

At our school, we are committed to helping children develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to build healthy relationships, stay safe, and grow into confident, caring individuals. Our RSE curriculum follows the latest Department for Education (DfE) guidance (updated 2025, statutory from September 2026).

What is RSE in Primary School?

For primary-aged children, RSE is delivered as part of Relationships Education and focuses on:

• Understanding friendships and family relationships
• Developing respect, kindness, and empathy for others
• Learning about feelings, emotions, and mental wellbeing
• Recognising safe and unsafe situations, including online safety
• Understanding basic body changes and development in an age-appropriate way

Age-appropriate learning:

In primary school, teaching is carefully tailored to be suitable for the children’s age and understanding. For example:

• Early years and Key Stage 1: Friendship, sharing, personal boundaries, naming body parts, and understanding feelings.
• Key Stage 2: Puberty, growing independence, healthy relationships, online safety, and recognising pressures or risks.

Teachers respond to children’s questions honestly, sensitively, and at a level they can understand.

Working with parents:

We value parents and carers as the primary educators of their children. You have a right to:

• View the RSE teaching materials we use.
• Ask questions or discuss any concerns about the content.

We aim to keep parents informed about what is being taught so that children can learn in a consistent, supportive environment both at home and at school.

Right to withdraw

• Parents cannot withdraw their child from Relationships Education or Health Education in primary school.
• Parents can request to withdraw their child from specific aspects of sex education (beyond what is taught in the science curriculum). At Ruislip Gardens Primary School, this is limited to content about human reproduction in Year Six.

We encourage parents to discuss any concerns with the school before making a withdrawal request.

RSE at our school is:

• Inclusive and respectful of all children.
• Sensitive to different family backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
• Focused on safeguarding and wellbeing.
• Delivered by trained staff in a safe and supportive environment.

Further information:

If you would like more details about our RSE programme or want to see our teaching materials, please contact the school office.