Ely Diocesan Board of Education & Training - Policy and Guidelines for Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) in Church of England Schools

Church schools are recommended to include the Church School Statement (or equivalent,) and elements of the policy and guidelines in their own Sex and Relationships Education documentation as appropriate.

Church School Statement

Consistent with the statutory Church School Ethos Statement, SRE is based upon the premise that all life is from God and we are created in the image of God.  We are called to love, as God is love.  The Christian values of trust, honesty, forgiveness and loving and caring for one another are lived out in a church school’s everyday life.  Pupils’ personal, social, health and emotional development are all promoted in the supportive Christian ethos of a church school, where all are respected, valued and encouraged. 

It is in the context of the absolute value of all persons, and the infinite love of God, that SRE should be taught in Church Schools.

Policy and guidelines

Authority and responsibility for decisions regarding Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) lie with the Governing Body of a School.

• The Ely Diocesan Board of Education & Training acknowledges the importance of SRE in schools as well as in the home.
• The Board acknowledges SRE’s place within the curriculum and in the context of Every Child Matters.  It recognises the curriculum entitlement of all children to sex and relationship education.
• The Board endorses the use of the current SRE materials produced and circulated by the Local Authorities (Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Peterborough), with the recommendation that church schools personalise these to reflect their church school status.
• Dialogue with parents and carers on matters pertaining to SRE is encouraged and expected.  In good schools, best practice will include regular opportunities for such dialogue to take place.
• It is anticipated that SRE would feature as part of the wider Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development Policy (SMSC) or the Personal, Social Health Education Policy (PSHE) of a school.

All SRE in a Church of England School should be set in a context which is consistent with the school’s Christian ethos and values.

• SRE should be based on inclusive Christian principles and values, emphasising respect, compassion, loving care and forgiveness.
• SRE should be sensitive to the circumstances of all children and be mindful of the variety of expressions of family life in our culture, yet it should also uphold the Christian values regarding relationships and marriage.
• Issues regarding human sexuality should be addressed sensitively. 
• The exploration of reproduction and sexual behaviour within the Science curriculum should stand alongside the exploration of relationships, values and morals and Christian belief.

The content and delivery of SRE should give priority to ensuring that no child’s family circumstances or personal values are criticised or devalued.

• God has made each of us as a unique human being and we are all equally valued.  Church schools recognise and celebrate this.
• SRE should always recognise and respect cultural differences within the school and the wider community.
• Abusive, disrespectful and judgmental comments or attitudes should never be tolerated.
• Regard should always be given to the age of the class or group taught.

22/5/07

Review Date: May 2010