Today’s Education in the Media blog covers the latest on the new Relationships and Sex Education curriculum, as well as responding to a Guardian story on the use of non-disclosure agreements by schools.
Relationships and Sex Education
Today, Tuesday 6 August, the Guardian has published a comment piece by Colin Diamond, professor of educational leadership at the University of Birmingham, in response to protests against the teaching of LGBT rights that have been taking place outside schools in Birmingham in recent months.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
Relationships, Sex and Health Education are vital to ensure children grow up healthy, happy and safe. Every school will have the support they need to deliver these subjects to a high standard. We are working closely with those schools that have volunteered to start teaching the subjects this September before they become compulsory in 2020. We are also setting up a working group – made up of representatives from teaching unions, sector experts, faith and minority groups, parents and young people – to consider the delivery of these subjects. We encourage parents to talk to their child’s school in a calm and constructive way if they have concerns about the new curriculum. There is no reason why teaching children about the society that we live in and the different types of loving, healthy relationships that exist cannot be done in a way that respects everyone’s views.
Non-disclosure Agreements
The Guardian also published an article on non-disclosure agreements used by some schools in disputes with teachers..
Anyone is able to make a confidential disclosure to the department if they have concerns about a school’s use of non-disclosure agreements. The department has published guidance on this.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
In no circumstances should non-disclosure agreements be used by school leaders to stop staff from reporting incidents such as bullying, discrimination or sexual misconduct.
Follow us on Twitter and don't forget to sign up for email alerts.