This one day online conference will focus on the future of the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum in England.

It will be a timely opportunity to discuss the Department for Education’s recently announced Independent Expert Panel review, which will assess the current content of RSHE, how protection can be put in place to ensure children understand what they are being taught, and how age ratings can be introduced for different parts of the curriculum.

With the panel expected to provide their recommendations to the Secretary of State in September, delegates will assess the updated statutory guidance for RSHE as the DfE consults on final guidance due later this year.

Keynote sessions will be with:
• Paula Penny, Head of the RSHE and Citizenship Policy Unit, Department for Education
• Dr Polly Haste, Subject Lead PSHE, RSHE and Citizenship, Ofsted
• Jenny Barksfield, Deputy CEO and Principal Subject Specialist, PSHE Association.

Delegates will look at key issues with implementation of the current curriculum, now compulsory in England’s primary and secondary schools since 2021, including:
• curriculum design:
     ◦ learning from development of individual school policies and developing effective strategies
     ◦ how schools are using increased flexibility when designing the curriculum
     ◦ ways in which outside expertise is being used by schools when teaching
     ◦ next steps for improving inclusivity
     ◦ faith schools and the delivery of the new curriculum so far
• delivering the curriculum:
     ◦ examining the quality and standards of RSHE teaching, and key priorities for teacher training
     ◦ improving support for teachers and their confidence in the classroom
• parental and guardian engagement:
     ◦ supporting parents and households to enable conversations outside school and become more involved in curriculum design
     ◦ addressing concerns surrounding teaching methods, content, and cultural and religious sensitivities
• supporting students
     ◦ best practice in improving understanding of life challenges, including mental health and wellbeing concerns
     ◦ strategies for young people’s sexual and reproductive health awareness, online safety education, and tackling sexual harassment
• potential additional areas of content:
     ◦ assessing new content areas which could be added to the curriculum such as navigating social media, vaping, suicide prevention, and tackling violence against women and girls.