Intent and Aims

The aims of relationships and sex education (RSE&HE) at our school are to:
Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place

• Prepare pupils for puberty, and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene
• Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy
• Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships
• Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies

Delivery of RSE&HE

RSE&HE is taught within the personal, social, health and education (PSHE) curriculum. Biological aspects of RSE&HE are taught within the science curriculum, and other aspects are included in religious education (RE).
Pupils also receive stand-alone sex education sessions delivered by a trained health professional.
Across all Key Stages, pupils will be supported with developing the following skills:

• Communication, including how to manage changing relationships and emotions
• Recognising and assessing potential risks
• Assertiveness
• Seeking help and support when required
• Informed decision-making
• Self-respect and empathy for others
• Recognising and maximising a healthy lifestyle
• Managing conflict
• Discussion and group work

At Botley School, we follow The PSHE Association scheme of work and the Christopher Winters Project (CWP) scheme of work. (Teaching RSE with Confidence in Primary Schools). CWP have been awarded the Pamela Sheridan Award for Excellence in recognition of their pioneering professional development programme in relationships and sex education. CWP’s success is based on a thorough understanding of what constitutes effective RSE&HE for both teachers and pupils. All CWP lessons have a clear structure and are age appropriate. They are designed to demonstrate a wide range of teaching methodologies to equip teachers with the skills to deliver excellent RSE&HE.

Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education

In September 2025, the government released guidance on the teaching of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education in schools. The framework within this guidance becomes statutory from September 2026, meaning that all schools must implement the guidance within their curriculum. As a result of this new Framework, we have revised our PSHE and RSE&HE curricula to ensure that we are covering all the statutory elements as set out in the framework. 

Parent Consultation 2026

We consult parents on the RSE&HE policy and documents on an annual basis. This includes reviewing the progression and subject overview documents below. The letter and documents below are available for parents to review, with a Microsoft Form for consultation responses held within the consultation letter attached. The consultation information was sent out by letter and  signposted within the school newsletter. 

The consultation will close on Friday 22nd May 2026

From September 2026 the proposed PSHE curriculum and the proposed RSE&HE curriculum are as set out below. 

RSE&HE Policy

The RSE&HE policy is currently under review following the publication of the new Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education Framework which will become statutory from September 2026. The revised draft policy is found below. The school and governors will review this policy alongside any feedback from the consultation before ratifying the policy. 

Until September 2026, the school will continue to work from the current policy and curriculum overview, both of which which went through the consultation process in the Autumn Term 2024.