Relationships and Sex Education 

At Tewin Cowper Primary School, we believe that children should learn about relationships and the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up in a safe, respectful and age-appropriate way. Inspired by our mustard seed vision, we nurture children’s understanding of themselves and others so that small conversations grow into confidence, self-respect and informed decision-making. 

Although we refer to our curriculum as Relationships Education, it also includes elements of Health Education and non-statutory Sex Education. Together, this is known as RSE – Relationships and Sex Education. 

What we want children to learn

Our intent is to support pupils to: 

• Develop healthy, respectful relationships with others
• Understand the emotional, social and physical changes that occur as they grow
• Learn about body ownership, consent and personal bondaries
• Know how to keep themselves safe and where to seek help
• Develop respect for themseleves and others

RSE at Tewin Cowper includes learning about friendships, families, emotions, puberty, human reproduction (including how a baby is conceived and born), and safeguarding. Teaching is always age-appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to pupils’ needs. 

Our RSE curriculum is aligned with DfE statutory guidance for Relationships Education and Health Education and reflects the values and ethos of our school community. 

How RSE is taught

RSE is taught through our PSHE curriculum, using the Kapow Primary PSHE and RSE scheme. Lessons are carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, allowing pupils to build understanding gradually and revisit key themes as they mature. 

Teaching takes place in a supportive environment where pupils feel safe to ask questions and share ideas. Lessons use a range of strategies, including discussion, stories, role play and scenario-based learning. Clear ground rules are established to promote respect and confidentiality. 

Staff deliver lessons with sensitivity and professionalism, responding appropriately to pupils’ questions and signposting support when needed. Parents are informed about RSE content and have the right to withdraw their child from the non-statutory sex education elements of the curriculum. 

What children achieve

Through RSE, pupils develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to navigate relationships and growing up safely and responsibly. 

By the time pupils leave Tewin Cowper, they will: 

• Understand what healthy relationships look like
• Respect personal boundaries and body ownership
• Understand physical and emotional changes during puberty
• Know how babies are conceived and born (where appropriate)
• Recognise unsafe situations and know how to seek help
• Show respect for themselves and others

As a result, pupils leave Tewin Cowper believing in themselves, growing in understanding and self-respect, and succeeding as confident, informed and resilient young people. 

Parental Rights and Withdrawal from RSE 

At Tewin Cowper Primary School, we recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting their child’s learning and development. We are committed to working in partnership with families and ensuring openness and transparency in how Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is taught. 

Relationships and Health Education 

All pupils are required to take part in Relationships Education and Health Education, which are statutory subjects under Department for Education guidance. These areas include learning about: 

• Families and friendships
• Respectful relaionships
• Online safety and safeguarding
• Physical and mental health
• Puberty and growing up

Parents and carers do not have the right to withdraw their child from Relationships Education or Health Education. 

Sex Education

As part of our RSE curriculum, pupils in upper Key Stage 2 also receive non-statutory sex education, which includes learning about: 

• Human reproduction
• How a baby is conceived and born

Parents and carers do have the right to request withdrawal of their child from these non-statutory sex education elements of the curriculum. 

How withdrawal works 

If a parent or carer wishes to request withdrawal: 

• They should contact the Headteacher to discuss the content and any concerns
• The school will meet with parents to ensure they understand what is taught and why
• If withdrawal is confirmed, the school will make appropriate arrangements for the pupil during these lessons 

We strongly encourage parents to discuss any questions or concerns with the school before making a decision, as our aim is always to deliver RSE in a way that is sensitive, age-appropriate and aligned with our school values.