Update for members on Children and Families Bill PSHE education amendment

We are disappointed but unsurprised to report that the Opposition amendment to the Children and Families Bill, which would have made PSHE statutory, was defeated in the Commons on June 11th.

We can take many positives from the events leading up to the vote, not least the energy and commitment shown by politicians from different parties, teachers, parents and pupils to PSHE education over the last few days. This support stands us in good stead for future efforts to ensure that every child gets a high-quality PSHE education.  The debate on the Children and Families Bill is now going to the Lords where we understand that the Opposition will once again table the amendment to make PSHE education statutory.

There was also a short debate on PSHE education in the Lords on 11th June, with the Minister, Lord Nash, confirming that the DfE is looking closely at an amendment to the national curriculum framework which would more explicitly link PSHE and statutory duties on all schools to provide a balanced and broad curriculum which supports children's wider development and prepares them for life. We are also still hopeful that some of the amendments to the national curriculum which our colleagues in the sector - such as the Sex Education Forum - have suggested will be taken on board.

We will keep members fully updated on progress on all of these developing areas of public affairs and in the meantime thank you all for your continued support and hard work on behalf of pupils across the country.

Please read our Chief Executive's blog piece for a more extensive reaction to the Bill amendment defeat.

Please note that this news article is archived content from our old website and some internal links may not be working. If you need help finding information please get in touch with us at info@pshe-association.org.uk.