Nick Dunne’s Post

A good body of research suggests that teaching RSE (relationships and sex education) is most effective when it is included in curriculum areas outside of PSHE. (Goldfarb et al 2021) Here at Eliza Education, we want to make it easy for schools to incorporate high-quality well-being education into multiple curriculum areas and embed best practices throughout a school community. We are about to launch a feature on our platform that allows PSHE coordinators and subject leaders to choose topics from other curriculum areas that meet statutory outcomes and place them in our smart scheduler at the touch of a button. This will then log evidence that these outcomes have been met with no additional teacher admin. Many of the books that are read and discussed as part of the English curriculum between the ages of 11-18 also help students to understand many of the themes in the RSHE guidance. These can be easily selected from our catalogue and inserted into the smart scheduler when they are covered in the school year, and the statutory outcomes met will be recorded. #pshe #wellbeing #rse #healtheducation #rshe #relationshipseducation #evidencebasededucation #teachers #teaching #education #secondaryeducation #EdTech

Reading is such a powerful tool for personal development and well-being. It's now much easier for schools using Eliza Education to evidence the significant well-being discussions that are happening in other curriculum areas without any additional teacher admin. #teachers #teaching #education #EdTech #PSHE #wellbeing

I am privileged to attend a 2-day workshop with Susie March, an expert in Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) What I took away from this valuable workshop are 1. An uninformed child is a vulnerable child. Therefore, child protection and child care are our school's priorities. To put into action the scope and sequence of the CSE program have been built by passionate educators across the school. 2. Providing a solid PD about CSE for the team that builds the curriculum is crucial so that we have shared understandings and languages. 3. It is worth exploring the values and views of CSE from the team to see the diversity as well as to be mindful of strengths and vulnerabilities. 4. Setting the essential agreement (ROCK) helps to create a safe, inclusive and respectful learning space where everyone can opt out and know where they can signpost. 5. Reach out to the expert or inform the topic covered for students in advance to avoid any unexpected harm or targeting 6. ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) reminds us that as an educator, we are expected to stretch our comfort zone to widen our knowledge to serve our students better. 7. Taking away a lot of anxiety/frustration from teaching CSE, Susie advised that teachers should play the role of facilitators. 8. It takes a lot of time, expertise and patience to build a comprehensive Sex Ed curriculum, which reminds me of the Knoster Model for Managing Changes below. I believe we are on the right track to build and improve the CSE program. If everyone is interested, please visit her website here: www.susiemarch.com For more information about the model, visit this website: https://lnkd.in/d-XdT24X

Education Choices Magazine Founder, Chloe Abbott, was invited to contribute to the discussion on GB News's Farage Show on Wednesday 15th at 7pm. The discussion centred on the news that sex education may be banned for children under nine, a topic which we know many parents and schools will be concerned about. Currently, primary school-aged children receive health and relationships education, which centres on teaching healthy and positive relationships within families and friendships. At secondary school, students receive sex education, alongside health and relationships. This centres on teaching a healthy understanding of issues including consent, healthy relationships, sexuality, pornography and online safely. This curriculum is particularly relevant in light of the Children’s Commissioner’s report of January 2023, which stated that 27% of children have seen pornography by the age of 11. Each school should have its policy readily available for parents. Parents have the freedom to withdraw their child from sex education, but not health and relationships. We do not currently know the full extent of the proposed changes, or when they may come info effect, if passed. Watch the full programme here: https://lnkd.in/ePkRm9Vg #educationchoicesmagazine #educationchoices #educationcornerpodcast #diversity #equality #inclusion #belonging #education

New Draft Guidance detailing how Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) should be taught in English schools was released on 16th May by the Department for Education (DfE). New age restrictions will be introduced, to ensure children aren’t being taught about sensitive and complex subjects before they are ready to fully understand them.  In primary school, it has been set out that subjects such as the risks about online gaming, social media and scams should not be taught before year 3. Puberty shouldn’t be taught before year 4, whilst sex education shouldn’t be taught before year 5, in line with when pupils learn about conception and birth as part of the national curriculum for science. Issues regarding sexual harassment should not be taught before year 7, and direct references to suicide before year 8. Explicit discussion around sexual activity should not occur before Year 9. Guidance states gender identity should not be taught. The facts about biological sex and gender reassignment will still be taught. Other matters will be reviewed prior to publication. The guidance for schools also contains a new section on transparency with parents, making it absolutely clear that parents have a legal right to know what their children are being taught in RSHE and can request to see teaching materials. Schools will be able to use the guidance as soon as they publish the final version later this year. The guidance is not legislation, and contrary to some media reports, nothing will be banned in law from being taught. The Consultation - https://lnkd.in/ezHhfusN Guidance - https://lnkd.in/eP5QaPfh #Education

Dear Supporters and Service Users. Please see our latest blog post responding to the review of RSHE (relationship, sex and health education). At the heart of all discourse around these matters are real people. Real young people growing up in an ever-changing world where information is at their fingertips (BTW if we are not teaching them the internet will!) and the need to have the grounding delivered with wisdom to figure this thing called life out. Real people in education trying to do their best by young people and being at the front line of policy decisions. Real parents aiming to support their young people as best they can while navigating a universe of conflicting information (do this, don't do that). Real people at the heart of organisations such as ours doing our best to engage, equip and empower young people to safeguard them with quality, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive content. As a small organisation, we are not able to speak in the political realm at the moment, but we are here on the front line working with thousands of young people every year; so to you, the people we serve, you are loved, you are valued and you are able to this thing called life with the right support! https://lnkd.in/et9Anfh3

In recent weeks a mix of conversations with colleagues and Government consultations have prompted me to think and talk more and more about skills; both the skills that young people can learn through relationships and sex education (RSE) to best support healthy relationships and healthy bodies and the skills that educators need to facilitate high quality, open discussions with students. Skills are relevant to everyone everyday, for example, we all need skills to keep up with changing technology and to critically navigate the high volume and variable reliability of online information and media. My reflections on skills coincide with the Government taking a fresh look at the Curriculum, through the 'Curriculum and Assessment Review'. It's exciting to see that the review is calling for evidence relating to knowledge and SKILLS (PS the call for evidence closes on 22 November). So it couldn't be a better time to drill down on skills to help us realise the promise of statutory RSE. On the morning of Thursday 14 November, Sex Education Forum will be holding our Autumn Members' Event (online). We'll be hearing from leading researcher Professor G.J. Melendez-Torres about the skills that are most crucial for young people to learn to foster healthy relationships and help prevent violence. Then we'll take a look at practical examples, and explore case-studies of skills-rich RSE teaching and learning in primary, secondary and further education settings. We believe that RSE needs to be part of life-long learning and for skills to be a continuous thread. Which skills do you believe are essential to teach in RSE? Come and join our conversation on 14 November, and if you're not already a member this is a great time to join us and be part of our community of evidence and practical expertise that is ready to help realise the promise of RSE. More details about the event available here: https://lnkd.in/dbPE6Pyr

How to Approach Sex Education as a Parent 1) Start early and build gradually: Introduce age-appropriate topics early and build on them as your child grows. 2) Be open and honest: Create a safe space for your child to ask questions and express their thoughts without judgment. 3) Use reliable resources: Utilize books, websites, and programs that provide accurate and age-appropriate information. 4) Stay involved: Keep the conversation ongoing. Your child's understanding and questions will evolve as they grow. By providing your child with comprehensive sex education, you are equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy, responsible, and fulfilling lives. Join us on 23rd of June for more tips. Link to register. https://lnkd.in/dipeKXYa #teechnigeria #sexeducation #education #parenting #ParentingTips #children #childdevelopment #counseling #guidance

Navigating the fine line between education and age-appropriateness 👩🏫🚸 The latest developments in education are sparking discussions across England. The government's new proposals aim to refine the existing framework around relationships and sex education in schools. With the plan suggesting a halt on sex education for children under nine, it raises crucial questions about the balance between informing young minds and preserving childhood innocence. While the intent is to set clear parameters for educators and offer peace of mind to parents, the conversation extends into the complexity of gender identity education—is it too soon, or is it a necessary part of early learning? We're all advocates for equipping the next generation with knowledge, but how and when this information is introduced is just as vital. It comes down to finding the sweet spot where education meets suitability. What are your thoughts on this proposed shift in education policy? How does it impact teachers and parents alike? Drop a comment, let's discuss or if you're looking to find your ideal teaching role that balances professional fulfilment with quality life, check Rikama Education out 👉 rikama-education.com #EducationPolicy #TeachingUK #ChildDevelopment

Parents listen to your children, we are the leaders of tomorrow........ looking at the current teen's of our present generation have got to see teenager who are not even closer to be a leader in class not to talk of leading a nation. I was in a secondary school this week to submit a letter of permission for my team to have a talk with there students and one of their teacher's who happen to be a male made a statement which baffles me he said and I quote "all of them are not virgin, so why do you want to talk to them infact government does not allow sex education except if it is in their curriculum in civic education" I was so disturbed by this statement and this are the future of our dear nations. If care is not taking if we don't start working on this children and teen's at this very moment we will start having issues to have youth to represent the nation in next five years. I believe so much in RCF ( Right choice foundation) to make a drastic change In the society to build up a teenager that we represent us well in all field and all aspect in life. The team might not be able to have access to all but those ones we have access to will surely be a positive standout for others to emulate. ##rightchoicefoundation##buildingtofitsinpurpose##