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Most teachers feel unprepared to give sex education, poll finds

MORE than half of school teachers do not feel prepared to teach sex and relationship education to children, a new poll has revealed.

About 40 per cent said they do not feel well prepared to teach the subject, while a further 17 per cent feel “entirely unprepared,” the survey of about 5,000 teachers and school leaders by Bett found.

Female school workers are more likely to feel ready to give lessons on the subject than their male colleagues.

Relationships and sex education (RSE) is due to become compulsory in England’s state primary schools from this September. Parents have the right to withdraw their child up to age 15.

National Education Union (NEU) joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: “Relationships and sex education is vital to ensure that children and young people grow up safe, happy and healthy.

“However, in order for the new RSE curriculum to be a success, the government must ensure teachers have access to high-quality training and resources.

“It is concerning that so many teachers in primary and secondary schools still feel unprepared to deliver the new requirements given that the reforms come into place in September.”

Ms Bousted said the survey should be a “wake-up call” for the government to invest “much more” to support schools this transition period. 

The government must also “ensure that any training and guidance developed is made available quickly to give the profession the necessary time to develop their scheme of work,” Ms Bousted added.

A Department for Education spokesman said schools and teachers will be able to access “a central programme of support” such as online materials and resources to help them deliver RSE classes.

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