The Department for Education has named five members of an independent expert advisory panel which will assist its review of relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) guidance.
Statutory guidance on the subject which came into effect in 2020 was already due to be reviewed later this year. But the review has become more high-profile amid claims that “age-inappropriate material” is being taught in some schools.
The panel members, who will give their time for free, will advise education secretary Gillian Keegan on “what is appropriate to be taught in RSHE and at what age”, and will consider evidence from Ofsted on what is currently being taught in schools.
Advisers include Sir Hamid Patel, chief executive of Star Academies and a member of the Ofsted board, and Helena Brothwell, regional director of school improvement at the David Ross Academy Trust.
