1.1In October 1999 the Scottish Executive announced its intention to repeal Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986. To address concerns expressed by the public, parents and teachers about any potential implication repeal of section 2A might have for the teaching of sex education in Scottish schools and to ensure that good practice continued after repeal, the Executive announced that a package of safeguards would be put in place before repeal came into force. The package of safeguards comprises:
the value of a stable family life in a child’s development;
the need to ensure that teaching and learning are appropriate to the child’s age, understanding and development.
1.2The Working Group was established in February 2000 to review the range of curricular advice and support available to teachers on sex education specifically in the light of the repeal of section 2A of the 1986 Act. It was agreed that repeal would not be enacted until the work of the Group had been concluded.
1.3In addition, in its report of its consideration of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Bill, Parliament's Education, Culture and Sport Committee invited the Executive to give due consideration to the Scottish Parent Teacher Council’s proposal for giving statutory authority to guidance. The Executive considered the Committee’s views and also took into account the views of parents. As a result the Executive introduced a new section in the Standards in Scotland's Schools Bill which would give Scottish Ministers power to issue guidance on the conduct of sex education and which would require local authorities to have regard to such guidance. This was intended to ground the guidance circular in law.
1.4Responses to the announcement of an intention to repeal section 2A are now a matter of record, but, though it generated considerable interest, media coverage focused almost exclusively on the political implications and accounts of the various individuals and interest groups involved in the debate on homosexuality.
1.5This public debate on aspects of sex education was not always aware of the current revision or consultation on the National Guidelines for Health Education 5-14. Health Education was formally one of five elements within Environmental Studies. It is now a free standing element within the 5-14 curriculum. This repositioning and higher profile for Health Education should strengthen existing links between sex education, Personal and Social Education and Religious and Moral Education. As a result, sex education will be embedded in a curricular package which emphasises good health, personal responsibility and positive relationships.
1.6These changes to the 5-14 guidelines on health education should help reassure those parents and members of the public who are unclear as to what constitutes sex education, or who may be concerned that there is insufficient emphasis on values, or simply uncertain about what is being taught.
1.7The Working Group has responded to the Minister’s invitation to examine the proposed safeguards, curriculum guidelines, advice and support information bearing on sex education as an opportunity to suggest general improvements. We acknowledge that good practice already exists in many schools, but are looking to secure further improvement and greater consistency.
Stage 1 - Initial Report
1.8The first stage of the Working Group’s task was a detailed examination of the package of safeguards proposed by the Scottish Executive. We concluded that the package was sufficiently complete, wide-ranging and robust to meet the legitimate concerns of the public, parents/carers and teachers. In reaching this conclusion we 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. In combination, these factors have already ensured that no inappropriate teaching or use of inappropriate materials has occurred. We welcome the fact that sex education is not a distinct subject, focusing on the mechanics of reproduction, but is embedded within wider education about relationships and healthy living.
1.9In reporting our conclusion it was recorded that, while agreeing that the framework of the package of safeguards was, in principle sufficient, the representative of the Catholic Education Commission had expressed some reservations and asked that these 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."
1.10The Group then continued with its next important task of reviewing existing curriculum guidelines, advice and support information bearing on sex education and considering whether the existing materials and arrangements for ongoing review are sufficient to meet the legitimate concerns of the public, parents and teachers. This second and final report by the Working Group makes recommendations about those needs which were identified in our interim report:
Stage 2 Final Report
1.11We trust this final report will help reassure parents and carers. The Group considers that the most effective safeguards relate to procedures and arrangements which secure continuing professional advice, support to schools and monitoring of quality. We acknowledge that parents have to feel confident that they have no reason to withdraw their child from any aspect of sex education, and every reason to ensure their continuing attendance.
1.12We consider the partnership between parents and schools to be pivotal to effective sex and relationship education. It is therefore important to identify and deal with any parental concerns or public misconceptions that surfaced during the debate on section 2A in order that we can continue to improve provision in the best interests of young people.
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CONSIDERATIONS ARISING
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