Today (Tuesday 25 June 2019) the government has issued the final accompanying statutory guidance to the new regulations for the introduction of relationships, sex and health education. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of NAHT, which represents leaders in the majority of primary schools, said: “The Secretary of State has now made it abundantly clear that it is appropriate to teach primary age children that there are different kinds of relationships, and that not every family is the same.

“As the Secretary of State says, ‘it is important that from the earliest age children learn to have respect for each other and to know that everybody is equal.’ We agree that ‘diversity and equality are a matter of fact and a matter of law and learning about equality and diversity is not optional.’

“The Secretary of State has strongly encouraged every primary school to continue what they are already doing – to teach about relationships in an inclusive way. Today’s statement is a clear signal to schools, that when it comes to talking to pupils about the different kinds of families and relationships they may encounter in their lives, it’s a question of ‘when’ and not ‘if’.

“We will continue to work alongside the schools where we have seen protests and objections, to help everyone involved restore a peaceful and productive teaching and learning environment. Dedicated public servants faithfully discharging their duty have an absolute right to feel confident and safe, pupils should never have to walk past noisy and aggressive protests on their way to school.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363