There is a new classroom based way of improving teaching and learning about relationships and sex education. For more information either click here for the leaflet on PSHE Modelling programme or contact Andrew Cooper, Education Adviser, at the Health Education Service.

The PSHE Modelling Programme works by an experienced teacher coming into your school and planning a series of lessons on sex and relationship education. Then there is a 3 step programme.

1. Consultant teacher delivers the lesson. Class teacher observes
2. The following week the consultant teacher and class teacher co-teach a lesson.
3. The following week the class teacher delivers the lesson with the consultant teacher observing and supporting.

The programme has been used successfully in Birmingham primary schools and as one teacher said:
"It was a fantastic project. I felt well supported by the trainer and now feel much more confident talking about this subject with young children.  The resources were great and the lesson plans were so easy to use and follow”

The Modelling programme is suitable for primary and secondary school phases.

	Boys and Girls uses some of the myths about what boys and girls can, and can't do, to look at the possible differences between boys and girls. Available as small books and big books
	Your Mummy Ate My Football explains how babies are made and how they need to be cared for once they are born. Using cartoon drawings we follow a young girl as she explains about pregnancy and babies in a humorous way. Available as small books and big books
	Bits and Bobs and Sweat and Spots is a gentle introduction that uses cartoon characters to show some of the basic changes that happen to children when they start to go through puberty. It tells the story of a mum explaining to her children (boy and girl) about some of the physical and emotional changes that we all experience at the start of puberty.
	The Good Practice guide to SRE provides a step-by-step guide to  1. consulting with pupils about what they know, and would like to know about growing-up 2. consulting with parents on what is appropriate SRE 3. consulting with staff on SRE and how to teach it. This will give any school the confidence to know that their SRE policy and scheme of work is appropriate to meet the needs of their pupils
	Key Aspects of Quality SRE is an essential guide for primary schools. It will help schools to develop and improve their delivery of sex and relationship education.
	What's It All About? will help schools to develop appropriate SRE for children and young people with learning difficulties. It includes: * legal framework, * policy framework, * role of governors, parents, staff *pupil questionnaires *common Q&A
	We Want to Know What's Happening to us ... was developed by teachers based on their experiences in delivering this topic. Includes background information and lots of classroom lesson plans for all primary year groups. All lesson plans have been evaluated and the evaluations are included so you can see what worked well and suggestions for extension activities. Examples of pupils' work are also included.

Other resources such as DVDs, pregnancy models, teaching packs and pupil books are also available for loan to subscribing schools from our Resource Centre. To see what is available look in our on-line catalogue. For subscribing schools there is a free delivery and collection service to your school. For details on how to subscribe click here.

In primary schools relationship and sex education should contribute to the foundation of PSHE and Citizenship by ensuring that
all children:
Develop confidence in talking, listening and thinking about feelings and relationships;
Are able to name parts of the body and describe how their bodies work;
Can protect themselves and ask for help and support; and,
Are prepared for puberty
Know how a baby is born (Science KS1 and 2).

All primary schools should have a sex and relationship education programme tailored to the age and the physical and emotional maturity of the children. In Foundation and Key Stage 1 education about relationships needs to focus on friendship, bullying and the building of self-esteem.

All children, including those who develop earlier than the average, need to know about puberty before they experience the onset of physical changes.
For more information contact Andrew Cooper Education Adviser at the Health Education Service

In secondary schools head teachers and governors are required to provide all pupils with a full and appropriate programme of relationship and sex education. The policy and scheme of work must be appropriate for the needs of the pupils.

Parents should be involved and consulted when planning a sex and relationship education programme, and informed of content on an ongoing basis (for example at an annual meeting).

Many schools need support whilst implementing a relationships and sex education programme in order to help overcome any barriers and/or misunderstandings about the role and nature of the relationship and sex education. 

The Advisers at the Health Education Service are well placed to be able to help schools and services plan, consult, and advise on delivery and train teachers in effective implementation of relationships and sex education as well as

• can help facilitate parents meetings to help with consultation
• training that is tailored to school and individual need
• advice and consultancy that is knowledgeable about the issues faced in schools and the localities that they are in
• resource centre to help with teaching and learning
• facilitation of Network Meetings for professionals to share ideas and receive updates.
  
  For further information about support for secondary schools and services please contact Niall Crawford, Education Adviser or