Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Deferred
Paragraph: 25
Ensure RSHE teachers receive training and deliver comprehensive reproductive health education early
Recommendation
The Government should ensure teachers tasked with delivering the menstrual and gynaecological health element of RSHE receive the training necessary to deliver it effectively. Information on women’s reproductive health conditions should be taught early on in secondary education, preferably around the time most girls first experience menstruation. That information should include guidance on what is and is not considered to be healthy reproductive health and cover intersectional differences, preparing pupils to advocate for their needs and seek help when necessary.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government deflects the recommendation regarding teacher training for RSHE and curriculum content, instead focusing on the provision of general women's health information via the NHS website and the development of women's health hubs.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
25
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
We agree that all students, including both girls and boys, should receive comprehensive education on menstrual health, and that all girls and women should be informed on what a ‘normal’ period is. RSHE became compulsory in schools in September 2020 and all pupils are taught the facts about areas of women’s health. The RSHE curriculum covers several areas of women’s health, including: menstruation contraception fertility pregnancy menopause The 2019 Relationships, sex and health education ( RSHE ) statutory guidance states that primary and secondary school pupils, including boys and young men, should be taught important facts about the menstrual cycle and reproductive health, including: what is an average period the range of menstrual products in the market the implications for emotional and physical health The Department for Education ( DfE ) is currently reviewing the statutory guidance and exploring whether any changes to existing content are required, including on menstrual, gynaecological and reproductive health. DfE is working with the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) and the government’s Women’s Health Ambassador, Professor Dame Lesley Regan, and will consider the relevant recommendations from the Women and Equalities Committee in developing revised guidance. The results of the public consultation, and the government’s response to it, will be published this year. It is important that teachers have the confidence to teach RSHE effectively, including teaching about menstrual and gynaecological health. To help teachers deliver this content effectively, DfE publishes a range of online Teaching about relationships, sex and health teacher training modules covering each of the main subject areas, including sexual health and the changing adolescent body. Once the review has concluded, we will consider whether further support or materials for teaching are needed and how they can best be provided, including through any resources made available from Oak National Academy , the DfE public body that provides resources for teachers.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗