Introduction

Catholic schools, like all other schools in England, are required to produce a written policy following the guidance issued by the Department for Education on Relationships education, relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) or Relationships education, relationships and sex education   (RSE). 

The DfE guidance can be found here: Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education. Catholic schools are also required to deliver RSHE in accordance with the teaching of the Church. This approach is compatible with the guidance issued by the DfE.

Why is RSHE /RSE in Catholic Schools important?

RSHE/RSE  is part of the mission of Catholic schools to educate the whole person. It should be carried out as part of the holistic education which seeks to form as well as inform young people in preparation for adult life.

At S Joseph's RSE and RSHE are through a whole school approach linked to teaching in PSHE, PE and science. You can find out more in our RSE Policy and subject curriculum frameworks. 

St Joseph's currently teaches the Relationship and Sex Education aspects of the Curriculum through a programme called 'Journey in Love'.

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'Journey in Love' has been written so that year on year the children build on their knowledge and awareness. It also supports the Religious Education, PSHE and Science curriculum taught within the school.

As with all aspects of learning, children are naturally curious and many will have questions related to their lessons. Opportunities to discuss questions form part of the lessons and again these are treated with care and understanding. A Journey In Love highlights the importance of parental input and children will be told to discuss their lessons at home.

Currently, there is no right to withdraw pupils from Relationships Education at primary, which covers subjects such as family, friendship and safety or from teaching information that is a statutory part of the Science Curriculum. Parents retain the right to withdraw their child from the sex education parts of Relationships and Sex Education classes taught in Year 5 & Year 6 but you must speak to the headteacher if you wish to do so.

September 2026 - Developments in RSHE 

In spring/summer 2026, St Joseph's Federation will be reviewing our current RSE / RSHE Policy as there is renewed government guidance relating to RSHE coming into effect for September 2026. Parents and carers have already been notified of this and will be given the opportunity to feedback on the new policy.

Parents and carers are welcome to speak to the headteacher, Mrs D'Souza, or Deputy, Mrs Subebe, if you have any questions or concerns.