FIRST
REPORT FROM THE WORKING GROUP ON
SEX EDUCATION IN SCOTTISH SCHOOLS
Purpose
1. The Working Party set up
to review the curriculum guidelines in the light of the repeal of section 2A of the Local
Government Act 1986 has completed its first task. The group has considered the scope and
general content of the package of safeguards proposed by the Scottish Executive and I can
report that we endorse this framework as being sufficiently complete, wide-ranging and
robust to meet the legitimate concerns of the public, parents and teachers.
2. In reporting views of the
Group I have to record that the representative of the Catholic Education Commission
expressed some reservations and has asked that these reservations be formally reported in
the following terms:
"I consider the new section of the Ethical
Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Bill, particularly insofar as it makes no
reference to marriage, to be inadequate and am concerned that it will impact upon the
nature of the circular and the guidelines".
Background
3. The objectives of the Ethical Standards in Public Life
etc. (Scotland) Bill are to introduce a statutory framework for ethical standards in
Scottish public life and to repeal Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986. The
Scottish Executive announced that a package of safeguards would be-put in place before
repeal came into force. This package was intended to address concerns expressed by the
public, parents and teachers about any potential implication that repeal of section 2A
might have for the delivery of sex education in Scottish schools and to ensure that good
practice continued after repeal. The working group to review curriculum advice and
materials on sex education in schools was established as part of that package. (See Annex
A for details of the membership of the group, its remit, tasks and timetable and the
package of safeguards it was asked to consider.)
4. The first task of the working group was to consider the
scope and general content of the package of safeguards dealing with sex education in
schools. We were asked to report to the Scottish Executive on whether this package was
sufficiently complete, wide-ranging and robust to meet the legitimate concerns of the
public, parents and teachers.
Consideration
5 . The group met on four occasions, three of which were full days. Our work included
consideration of:
6. In addition, individual
members drew on the extensive material that was provided as background information.
Conclusion
7. Our conclusion that the
package of safeguards is sufficiently complete, wide-ranging and robust took account of
existing good practice in Scottish schools, the professional judgement of teachers, the
quality assurance systems used in schools and authorities, and the awareness and
involvement of parents. This has already ensured that no inappropriate teaching or use of
inappropriate materials has occurred. We recognised and welcomed the fact that sex
education is not a distinct subject, focusing on the mechanics of reproduction, but that
it is embedded within wider education about relationships and healthy living.
8. In taking forward the
next stage of our work we believe that there are issues which can be developed to improve
further the quality of sex education in Scottish schools while maintaining the assurance
which we believe parents and the public can take from the package of safeguards. In
particular, we believe that there is a place for:
