Relationship and Sexual Education

Information for Year 7 Parents

From September 2021, the Department for Education made it mandatory for all schools to deliver a formal Relationships and Sex Education curriculum. At the Danes Educational Trust, we are committed to providing our students with a thorough, balanced, and age-appropriate curriculum that prepares them for the complexities of the modern world.

As your child transitions into Year 7 at Croxley Danes, we want to ensure you are fully informed about the specific Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) topics they will be exploring.

What will Year 7 be learning?

The Year 7 RSE curriculum is carefully designed to build a foundation of self-respect, safety, and emotional maturity. Based on our current schedule, the specific units include:

• Puberty: Understanding the physical and emotional changes that occur during this stage of development.

• Menstruation: Providing clear, supportive information on menstrual wellbeing.

• Healthy Relationships: Focusing on building positive, respectful, and safe connections with others.

• Personal Safety & FGM: Empowering students with knowledge on personal boundaries and specific safeguarding topics such as FGM.

• Online Identity: Navigating the social and personal aspects of being online safely and respectfully.

Detailed lesson breakdowns can be found in our Relationships and Sex Education Policy, available on the school website or as a hard copy from the school office.

The Science vs. Personal Development Distinction

It is important to note the difference between biological instruction and social guidance:

• The Science Curriculum: Focuses on the biological aspects of human reproduction and development. This is a statutory requirement, and students cannot be withdrawn from these lessons.

• Personal Development (RSE): Focuses on the emotional, social, and legal aspects of relationships and sex.

Your Rights as a Parent/Carer

While Relationships Education is compulsory, parents/carers are entitled to request that their child is withdrawn from the specific Sex Education components of the Personal Development curriculum.

• How to Request: If you wish to withdraw your child, please notify the Headteacher in writing.

• The Process: Following your request, a discussion will be held with you to determine which specific elements of the curriculum your child will be withdrawn from.

• Accommodation: Students who are withdrawn will be provided with supervised, self-directed reading or exercises in a separate space during these lessons.

• Student Rights: Students have the right to opt back into Sex Education lessons three terms before their sixteenth birthday, even if a parent has previously withdrawn them.

Please Note: As your child is entering a new school setting, any previous withdrawal requests made at the primary level do not automatically carry over. If you wish for your child to be withdrawn at Croxley Danes, please submit a fresh request to the Headteacher to ensure our records are accurate.

Inclusivity and Support

Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive and respectful of the diverse range of families, faiths, and communities within our school. We aim to create a safe space where all students feel represented and heard.

If you have any concerns, questions about the teaching materials, or queries about your child’s participation, please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher or Miss Assadi (Head of Personal Development) at: enquiries@croxleydanes.herts.sch.uk