News Digest 3 -7 July | www.pshe-association.org.uk

This week it has been confirmed that DfE Minister Nick Gibb takes on responsibility for PSHE and RSE. PSHE education was mentioned in a Lords’ debate on financial inclusion and a number of written parliamentary questions were answered on relationships and sex education (RSE).

Responsibility for PSHE and RSE assigned to Nick Gibb MP
It was confirmed this week that Nick Gibb has been given ministerial responsibility for PSHE and relationships and sex education (RSE) at the DfE as part of his role as Minister of State for School Standards.  Mr. Gibb also takes on a new role as Minister for Equalities. You can find out more information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/people/nick-gibb

PSHE education mentioned in a Lords debate on financial inclusion
Lord Bates, minister of State in the Department for International Development, mentioned PSHE education in a debate about financial inclusion and new technology. Responding to Lady Stowell, who made a point about young people and financial inclusion initiatives, Lord Bates reminded the House that the ‘E’, in PSHE stands for ‘economics’ and that when it is taught well, it increasingly involves financial technology.

Written questions on PSHE and SRE

• Catherine West MP asked whether the Department for Education (DfE) will consult with LGBT groups when reviewing the curriculum for RSE and whether the Government plans to include LGBT issues in RSE. Nick Gibb answered that the DfE will conduct a thorough engagement process on the scope and content of RSE and relationships education, involving a wide range of stakeholders. He added to this that the DfE will consider ways to ensure that guidance and regulations are inclusive of LGBT issues and that it will work closely with organisations such as Stonewall and the Terrence Higgins Trust to achieve this.
• Mark Hendrick MP asked what research has been conducted into the number of school days missed by girls living in households unable to afford female sanitary products and what guidance has been issued on the provision of such products. DfE Minister Robert Goodwill answered that no research has been conducted on this matter but that schools are encouraged in current guidance on sex and relationships education to make adequate and sensitive arrangements to help girls cope with menstruation and with requests for sanitary protection.