5th June 2023
Expert Panel to Review Sex Education in English Schools
Panel will update the guidance and prevent the inclusion of "disturbing or inappropriate content" that may be presented to students
An expert panel will be established to review the sex education curriculum in schools across England, aiming to update the guidance and prevent the inclusion of "disturbing or inappropriate content" that may be presented to students. However, this move has raised concerns among teaching unions and over 50 organizations and charities, who believe that the review is politically motivated.
The review was announced in March by Rishi Sunak, following claims made by Conservative MP Miriam Cates that children were being exposed to explicit lessons on oral sex, safe choking practices, and the idea of numerous genders. Gillian Keegan, the education secretary, expressed her support for the review, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the wellbeing and safeguarding of children. Keegan acknowledged the concerns of parents and teachers and emphasized the need to ensure that concepts taught are appropriate for the student's age and understanding.
Independent Investigation
In March, an independent investigation conducted for the Isle of Man government disproved claims that children had been left traumatized by sex education delivered by a drag queen in a school on the island. Unfortunately, the release of the investigation's findings led to death threats against teachers.
James Bowen, the director of policy for the National Association of Head Teachers, pointed out that the current curriculum underwent extensive consultation before its implementation. He stated that there is no evidence to suggest a widespread issue of students being exposed to age-inappropriate materials. If such a problem existed, it would have likely been addressed on a case-by-case basis.
The Panel
The independent expert advisory panel, consisting of professionals who will volunteer their time, will commence its work promptly. They will consider evidence provided by the school's watchdog Ofsted to determine where clear age ratings are necessary. The panel is expected to complete its work for consultation by the end of September, while a comprehensive review of the guidance is anticipated to be finalized by the end of the year, according to the Department for Education.
The panel comprises notable individuals including Prof Dame Lesley Regan, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Imperial College London and the government's first women's health ambassador; Sir Hamid Patel, the chief executive of Star Academies; Helena Brothwell, a regional director of school improvement for David Ross Academy Trust; Alasdair Henderson, a barrister specializing in public law, human rights, and equality law; and Isabelle Trowler, the government's first chief social worker for children and families.