Accountable leader: Lloyd, Centre Manager
Purpose
To provide age-appropriate Relationships, Sex and Health Education that supports students' wellbeing, safety and preparation for adult life, having regard to DfE statutory guidance and Independent School Standards.
Scope
All students, with content adapted to age, stage and need. Parents and carers are partners and are informed about the programme.
Definitions
RSHE includes relationships education, sex education (secondary age and stage as appropriate) and physical and mental health education.
Responsibilities
- The Headteacher ensures RSHE is planned, taught and monitored in line with this policy and applicable DfE guidance for the setting's registration status.
- The Quality of Education lead coordinates programme content with teaching staff.
- Trained staff deliver content sensitively and inclusively.
- Parents and carers may discuss the programme and, where the law allows, withdraw from some or all of sex education. Relationships education and health education remain part of the curriculum entitlement.
Procedures
Content
Themes include healthy relationships, consent, online safety, equality and respect, physical health, mental wellbeing, and staying safe. Content is adapted for students with SEND.
Delivery
RSHE is taught through Personal Development, pastoral time and, where appropriate, specialist input. Ground rules, safe discussion and signposting to support are used.
Right to withdraw from sex education
We follow the DfE framework for secondary Relationships and Sex Education as it applies to our phase and registration status.
What parents and carers may request
- Parents and carers may request that their child is withdrawn from some or all of sex education delivered as part of statutory RSHE.
- There is no right to withdraw from relationships education or from health education.
- There is no right to withdraw from sex education that is taught as part of the National Curriculum science programme of study where that content is delivered.
How to request withdrawal
- Email admin@evolution-sportsgroup.com (or write to the Headteacher at the relevant centre address) with the subject line "RSHE withdrawal request".
- Include the student's full name, year group or pathway, the aspects of sex education you wish them to be withdrawn from, and your preferred contact details.
- The Headteacher or a designated senior leader will invite you to a discussion (in person, by phone or online) so that aims of the curriculum, benefits of receiving it, and any detrimental effects of withdrawal can be explained. The discussion will also cover any special educational needs or mental health considerations relevant to the student.
- A written confirmation of the decision is kept on the student's record and shared with the parent or carer and, where the placement is commissioned, with the parent school where appropriate.
During withdrawn lessons
While a student is withdrawn from sex education, they remain on site and are provided with purposeful education in an alternative supervised activity aligned to their support plan (for example literacy, numeracy, careers preparation or pastoral work). Absence from the sex education session is not recorded as unauthorised attendance absence.
When a student can decide for themselves
Except in exceptional circumstances, the school will respect a parent's request to withdraw their child, up to and until three terms before the student turns 16. After that point, if the student wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school will make arrangements to provide it during one of those terms.
Review
Withdrawal arrangements are reviewed if the student's needs, programme or applicable statutory guidance change, or if the parent or carer asks to reopen the discussion. Contact admin@evolution-sportsgroup.com at any time.
Monitoring
Student voice, planning reviews and safeguarding themes inform annual review of this policy.
Monitoring
The Leadership Team monitors implementation through learning walks, safeguarding reviews, incident analysis, staff feedback, student voice and commissioner feedback. Findings inform training and school improvement planning.
Review Cycle
This policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner following changes in legislation, statutory guidance, or significant incidents. Next formal review: January 2027. Approved by the Proprietor / Leadership Team.