A working group was set up to review the curriculum guidelines in the light of the repeal of section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986 and to report to the Scottish Executive on the overall package of safeguards proposed by Ministers.

The group produced its first report about the scope and general content of the safeguards proposed by the Scottish Executive.  Its first report can be seen below.

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:

• the terms of the draft circular to Directors of Education;
• the references to sex education contained within existing national guidelines on the curriculum;
• the broader context for sex education within personal and social development and health education;
• legal advice about the implications of the European Convention of Human Rights and Human Rights Act 1998;
• commissioned papers and presentations on:

• the range of options open to the group (statutory provisions, regulations, guidance and guidelines);
• best practice in sex education;
• teacher training issues; and
• local authorities' existing policies and practice on sex education, health education, anti-bullying and consulting with parents.

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:

• Summary guidance for teachers on the available curriculum advice and materials;
• Advice to schools and teachers on effective consultation with parents; and
• A national package of information for parents on the nature and purpose of sex education in Scottish schools.

9.     We propose to take forward these three pieces of work and to consult on drafts of the material we prepare.

Mike McCabe
Chairman