RSE Statement

At New Avenue School, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and inclusive Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) curriculum that is integral to our ethos of fostering holistic support and positive relationships. Our RSE program is designed to create a safe and supportive environment for sensitive discussions, empower students with knowledge about their development, and nurture self-respect, confidence, and empathy.

Our RSE Aims:

Provide a Framework for Sensitive Discussions: We create a safe space for students to engage in discussions about relationships and sexuality, ensuring they feel respected and valued.
Prepare for Puberty: Our curriculum equips students with an understanding of the changes that come with puberty and the importance of health and hygiene.
Develop Self-Respect and Empathy: We foster a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships, helping students build self-respect and empathy towards others.
Teach Correct Vocabulary: We ensure students learn the correct terminology to describe themselves and their bodies.

Statutory Requirements:

New Avenue School adheres to the statutory requirements set forth in section 34 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and follows the guidance issued by the Secretary of State as outlined in the Education Act 1996. Our curriculum also aligns with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring we promote equality and eliminate discrimination.

Curriculum Delivery:

Our RSE curriculum is integrated into various units within our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, covering topics such as "Growing Up," "Healthy Lifestyles," and "Safety First." We ensure that RSE is age-appropriate and reflects the developmental needs of our pupils. Biological aspects are taught within the science curriculum, while social and emotional aspects are covered in broader personal development topics.

Inclusivity and Sensitivity:

We are committed to teaching RSE in a manner that is inclusive and sensitive to all students' experiences. Our lessons are designed to make students feel safe and supported, and we consider the diverse backgrounds and needs of our pupils. We also offer various formats for learning, including whole-class settings, small groups, and 1-to-1 discussions.

Use of External Agencies:

We carefully select external agencies and materials to support our RSE program, ensuring they align with our values and legal obligations. All external resources are reviewed for appropriateness and quality, and sessions with external speakers are supervised by our staff to maintain a safe and balanced approach.

Parents’ Right to Withdraw:

While parents of primary-aged children do not have the right to withdraw their child from relationships education, secondary-aged parents can withdraw their child from the non-statutory components of sex education up to three terms before the child turns 16. Requests for withdrawal should be submitted in writing to the headteacher.

Training and Monitoring:

Our staff receive regular training on delivering RSE, supported by external experts when necessary. The effectiveness of our RSE program is monitored through our internal assessment systems and reviewed annually to ensure it meets the highest standards of education and inclusivity.

At New Avenue School, we are committed to providing a high-quality RSE curriculum that supports the personal and social development of our pupils, preparing them to thrive in a diverse and changing world. For more information or to review our curriculum materials, please contact us directly or download our policy in the policies section.