Recommendation 5

HM Government · verbatim extract Accepted

The Government accepts recommendations 4 and 5. The Department for Education (DfE) is committed to ensuring that the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum effectively supports pupils’ menstrual wellbeing and health. The updated RSHE curriculum, which will come into effect in September 2026, will include comprehensive guidance on teaching menstrual and gynaecological health. DfE will work with expert stakeholders, including medical professionals, women’s health advocates, and organisations representing diverse communities, to develop resources and guidance for schools. This will ensure that teaching materials reflect the diversity of experiences of menstrual wellbeing and needs of students, including those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities. The guidance will also provide advice on best practice on access to period products and how to embed menstrual health awareness and support at a whole school level in a way that does not perpetuate stigma. This will empower teachers and school staff to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all pupils. DfE will publish the refreshed RSHE statutory guidance for public consultation later this year, with a view to it being in force for September 2026.