Why sex and relationships education?

Sex and relationships education (SRE) should be taken forward as part of a whole school approach to health, following guidelines on sex education in Scottish schools. Schools should have a clear SRE policy that takes account of national and local guidance, as well as respecting cultural, ethnic and religious influences within the home, school and community.

Schools must inform parents and carers about SRE programmes and resources, allowing parents to see what is used to teach their children. If new SRE programmes and resources are being developed, parents and carers must be consulted. Parents and carers have an important role to play in supporting and reinforcing the positive messages given at school.

SRE should demonstrate annual progression appropriate to pupils' age and stage of development. The best approach to delivery is a multi-agency approach, which uses a range of expertise, such as the school nurse, local voluntary organisations and the health service as well as school staff.