Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

A group of young people

From September 2020 all schools must consider the statutory guidance when teaching relationships, sex and health education.

What makes good RSHE education?

  • DfE guiding principles state that the “compulsory subject content must be age appropriate and developmentally appropriate”. A good RSHE curriculum will be designed and delivered by teachers to meet their pupils’ and community’s needs, being sensitive and inclusive, with respect to the backgrounds and beliefs of pupils and carers, while ensuring pupils have accurate knowledge of the law.
  • Good RSHE is taught by teachers who have had training in the subject. Regular lessons are taught in the context of a broad and balanced curriculum, carefully sequenced within a planned programme. Teaching will include sufficient well-chosen opportunities and contexts for pupils to embed new knowledge so that it can be used confidently in real life situations.

How does Southampton City Council support local schools to deliver high quality RSHE?

All schools have access to:

  • Fully funded annual membership to the PSHE Association PSHE Association including support with curriculum planning, lesson plans, teaching resources and slides ready to use
  • Primary & secondary network meetings each term with CPD support from subject specialists, based on teacher’s needs
  • Contact infohealthyandsustainableschools@southampton.gov.uk to find out more

What additional training is available?

PSHE Association has a range of training for PSHE leads including courses for experienced and new coordinators:

For whole school/ trust training:

DfE has training modules to support school planning and delivery of the statutory guidance:

RSHE links

Calendar of events

See the calendar of events.

Further information

Go back to healthy and sustainable schools.