ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL

Rationale

‘I have come that you might have life and have it to the full’
(Jn.10.10)

We acknowledge that Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship, as well as Sex and Relationship Education (SRE), are all under-pinned by a theology of relationship and are all encompassed in the title Education for Personal Relationships (EPR).

Our belief in the unique dignity of the human person as made in the image and likeness of God underpins the approach to all education in our school. Our approach to sex and relationship education therefore is rooted in the Catholic Church’s teaching of the human person and is presented positively and prudently.

Stemming from this vision of what it means to be human, we seek to educate the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, morally, emotionally, psychologically, and physically towards our understanding of Christian maturity.

Following guidance from our own Bishop and Diocese, the Conference of Bishops of England and Wales and as advocated by the DfE, all sex and relationship education in our schools will be firmly embedded in the PSHE and E-Safety frameworks as it is concerned primarily with nurturing the human wholeness of our pupils.

It should be noted that this policy links with, and should be read in conjunction with, the Umbrella Trust’s E-Safety Policy, having particular regard to virtual relationships and positive behaviour on line.

All sex and relationship education will be in accordance with the Church’s moral teaching. It will emphasise the central importance of marriage and the family whilst acknowledging that all pupils have a fundamental right to have their life respected whatever household they come from and support will be provided to help pupils deal with different sets of values.

Aims of Education for Personal Relationships (EPR)

• To encourage pupils’ growth in self respect, acknowledging that we are all created in the image and likeness of God
• To help pupils develop an understanding that love is the central basis of relationships
• To help pupils to understand the nature of relationships and to encourage them to reflect on their own relationships and respect differences between people.
• To develop pupils’ confidence in talking, listening and thinking about feelings and relationships.
• To help pupils to acquire the skills necessary to develop and sustain relationships
• To offer sex education in the wider context of relationships.
• To ensure that pupils protect themselves and ask for help and support when needed.
• To ensure that pupils are prepared for puberty.
• To help pupils to develop a healthier, safer lifestyle.
• To prepare pupils to play an active role as citizens and to understand the Catholic vision of what it means to be citizens of the Kingdom/reign of God.

Delivery of EPR

EPR is taught through our lifestyle in school and through the subjects of Religious Education, Science by way of a cross-curricular, integrated approach.

All elements of PSHE and Citizenship, whilst non-statutory at Key Stage 1 and 2, are covered. Significant aspects of sex and relationship education remain part of the National Curriculum for Science. These will be taught to all pupils. (Parents are unable to withdraw pupils from such lessons.)

We acknowledge that potentially every area of school life can contribute to EPR as the school, of its very nature operates through positive human relationships. We recognise value and greatly appreciate the contribution made by all members of staff in deepening the quality of our Christian community.

Teachers will use their professional judgement when addressing issues in EPR. Careful consideration will be given to the wide and varied experience and backgrounds of the pupils in their care.

While we operate a whole school approach to Sex and Relationship Education through our EPR Programme, pupils in the autumn term of Year Five will learn about the emotional and the physical changes of puberty. For this particular part of the curriculum, children will remain together at first prior to forming separate groups of girls and boys for extension discussions. A similar approach will operate in the autumn term in Year Six.

Resources

We acknowledge that parents and carers are the key persons and the foremost educators for children learning about sex and relationships. Our role and our programme simply complement their role in nurturing their children’s human wholeness.

Assessment Recording and Reporting

A record of the delivery of EPR is kept in teacher’s planning. The programme is assessed, monitored and evaluated by the co-ordinator in accordance with the school’s monitoring and evaluation policy. Pupils are given the opportunity for self evaluation at an appropriate level for each year group.

Outside Agencies

The expertise of outside agencies will be used appropriately to support the school’s delivery. The school is particularly grateful for the help available from local Diocesan agencies and charities such as Life.

Curriculum Continuity

The school has an ongoing dialogue with the PSHE Co-ordinators of the schools; EPR and SRE policies complement each other as appropriate.

Safeguarding Procedures

The school has procedures to deal with any sensitive issues or children thought to be vulnerable. Staff will pass on any concerns of this nature to the designated child protection officers in the schools.

The Governing Body

The Governing body and Foundation Governors in particular recognise their responsibility to ensure that the EPR programme follows Diocesan principles and reflects the Church’s teaching.

The role of Parents

The Church has always recognised that it is the privilege and the responsibility of parents to educate and inform their children in all matters pertaining to personal growth and development particularly in the sensitive area of their moral education and sexual development. The Church also recognises that many parents require help and support in this task from both schools and parishes.

The Governing body fully subscribes to the views expressed by the Bishops’ Conference and will always ensure that:

• Parents are supported in their task.
• Parents are consulted and kept informed of the EPR programme, its contents, evaluation and review, and any subsequent developments.

Right of Withdrawal

It is our hope that parents would wish their children to be involved in the school’s positive and prudent programme of sex and relationship education, following annual consultation regarding the school’s approach. However, we recognise that parents have the right to withdraw their children from such lessons (not included in National Curriculum Science) after discussion with the headteacher.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be monitored biennially by the EPR Co-ordinator and will be reviewed biennially by the Governing Body. Parents will be consulted before any proposed changes.

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