Sex education classes won't resume until early 2024

Improvements needed in parental communication and teacher training

Relationships and sex education won't be taught in Manx secondary schools until early 2024.

A one-page executive summary of the second part of an independent investigation - which looked specifically at how the RSE curriculum was taught at QEII - has been released today. 

It found that whilst the contents of the curriculum are appropriate, improvements are needed in 'parental communication' and training for teachers as well as consideration of a different 'delivery model'. 

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture says it will work with schools from September to ensure changes are made.

The executive summary of the report by Richard Power and Paul Morris says:

• Improved communication between schools and families will enable parents/carers to make informed decisions.
• A smaller group of teachers should be encouraged to specialise in the subject of Relationships and Sex Education.
• The contents of the curriculum is age appropriate. "Training will ensure a consistent and age-appropriate method of delivery."
• Organisational structure should be considered to "reflect the significance of the PSHE [Personal, Social and Health Education] curriculum and give it equality with other subjects".

Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Julie Edge, says: "I welcome the report and thank all the parents, teachers and officers who have contributed.

"My Department is considering the report and will work with schools from September to ensure that necessary changes are made and a clear plan is developed to inform the most appropriate way forward to resume delivery of RSE in early 2024.

"I acknowledge the findings in respect of improving communication and the Department will now take steps to ensure that plans are communicated appropriately to parents. As I have previously stated, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) will continue in September without any RSE delivery until further work including specialised training and communication is carried out by the Department."