Education Act 2002
8. After section 80 insert—
“80A Guidance about relationships, sex and health education
(1) The Secretary of State must give guidance about the provision of education under section 80(1)(c), (d) and (e).
(2) In relation to education provided under section 80(1)(c) and (d), the guidance must be given with a view to ensuring that—
(a)the pupils learn about—
(i)the nature of marriage and civil partnership and their importance for family life and the bringing up of children,
(ii)safety in forming and maintaining relationships,
(iii)the characteristics of healthy relationships, and
(iv)how relationships may affect physical and mental health and wellbeing, and
(b)the education is appropriate having regard to the age and the religious background of the pupils.
(3) The governing body of a maintained school must have regard to guidance under this section.
(4) The Secretary of State must review guidance under this section from time to time.
(5) In this section “maintained school” includes a community or foundation special school established in a hospital.
80B Relationships education and relationships and sex education: statements of policy
(1) The governing body of a maintained school must—
(a)make, and keep up to date, a separate written statement of their policy with regard to the provision of education under each of paragraphs (1)(c) and (d) of section 80, and
(b)publish a copy of the statement on a website and provide a copy free of charge to anyone who asks for one.
(2) A statement under subsection (1) must include a statement of the effect of section 405(3) of the Education Act 1996 (exemption from sex education: England).
(3) The governing body must consult parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under subsection (1).
(4) In this section “maintained school” includes a community or foundation special school established in a hospital.”.