A key parental freedom is under threat – respond to Relationships Ed consultation

Oct 27, 2018 by

from The Christian Institute:

The Government’s approach to Relationships and Sex Education will effectively abolish parents’ right to withdraw their child from sex education. It transfers the final decision over whether a child receives sex education to the headteacher. A consultation ends on Wednesday 7 November.

Earlier this year, we asked you to answer the Government’s Call for Evidence on ‘Relationships Education’ and ‘Relationships and Sex Education’. Following on from that, this latest consultation is on draft laws and guidance for the new subjects.

There are some good points in the guidance. Encouragingly, the Government has taken on board a number of our concerns. We now need to argue for these positive sections to stay in the final version, because sex education lobby groups want them removed.

Other content is very concerning, especially the watering down of the parental right of withdrawal. This is rarely used, but is a valuable backstop protection. Its existence can discourage schools from pursuing radical approaches. It is also right in principle – parents are primarily responsible for their child’s education. We must argue firmly for it to remain.

Relationships Education will be compulsory in all primary schools, which will still be able to choose to teach sex education as well. Parents would have a right of withdrawal from sex education, but not Relationships Education. All secondary schools will be required to teach Relationships and Sex Education. Parents would have a right to request their child is withdrawn from Relationships and Sex Education, but could be overruled by the headteacher.

Please respond before the consultation closes on Wednesday 7 November – less than two weeks away. We have produced a briefing to help you respond to the key questions here.

Please pray for the protection of children and that parental authority will not be undermined.

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