Joint open letter to editor – relationships and sexuality education

Dear Editor,

Relationships and sexuality education (RSE) in Wales is changing. Building on the best practice in primary, secondary and special schools in Wales, and internationally, a new mandatory RSE curriculum will be introduced by September 2022. The new Curriculum for Wales is outlined in the Curriculum and Assessment(Wales) Bill currently passing through the Senedd.

Relevant, sensitive and appropriate to children’s own capacities and needs, Wales’ new holistic RSE will be delivered across the curriculum, from humanities and health and well-being, to science and technology. Its emphasis on rights, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, gender equity and empowerment will support schools to develop high quality RSE and realise the many positive and protective outcomes for children, young people and their communities that come from high quality provision.

Currently, only some children and young people receive high quality RSE. Making RSE mandatory enables all schools to gradually empower all learners to build the knowledge, skills and ethical values so that they can enjoy their rights to safe, healthy and fulfilling relationships throughout their lives.

So, as we approach Stage 3 of the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill (Tuesday 2nd March) we are jointly calling for all Members of the Senedd to support the proposals. In doing so, for the first time, all children and young people in Wales will be able to access and benefit from high quality RSE, in line with their human rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Yours sincerely,

Barnardo’s Cymru, Brook, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Professor EJ Renold (Cardiff University), Children in Wales, Welsh Women’s Aid, PLAN International, Mencap Cymru, Umbrella Cymru, and Stonewall Cymru.