A 10 minute rule motion on statutory status for PSHE education, tabled by Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, was debated in the House of Commons today. The motion was supported by MPs from across the political spectrum.
This first reading was passed with 183 in favour and 44 against, meaning a second reading has now been scheduled for 22nd January, 2016.
We hope this motion will both raise the profile of the subject and prompt the Government to respond quickly and favourably to the Commons Education Committee’s recommendations on statutory status for PSHE education.
PSHE Association Chief Executive Joe Hayman said:
“The campaign for statutory status got a big boost today, with support from MPs from across the political spectrum contributing to an overwhelming result, with 183 MPs in favour and just 44 against. While the next reading of the Bill won’t be until January, the Government can act much sooner if it wants to and put in place the recommendation of statutory status made by the cross-party Commons Education Committee.”
“We are really grateful that Caroline Lucas has put PSHE education back on the Parliamentary agenda. Statutory status has the support of numerous Parliamentarians across parties, 120 leading organisations, 92% of young people, 88% of teachers, 87% of parents and 85% of business leaders. It’s time that these voices are heard by political leaders.”
“As a society we are rightly concerned about the safety of children, yet it is a postcode lottery as to whether children receive lessons on how to stay safe or not; we are worried about pupils’ emotional health, but lessons on these issues are often taught by teachers with no training in emotional health – an unacceptable position; and just this week business leaders called for young people to leave school with exactly the skills we seek to teach in PSHE. Ofsted has said that provision needs to improve if subjects like personal safety, emotional health and employability skills are to be taught well: statutory status is an essential first step.”
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