In March 2017 Parliament voted to change the way sex education is taught in schools in England, introducing the new subject of relationships education in primary schools and changing sex education at secondary school to be relationships and sex education (RSE).

These new subjects were initially due to become compulsory in all schools from September 2020.

In July 2020, however, the Department for Education announced that due to the impact of COVID-19 schools would have discretion to delay the introduction of the new curriculum until the start of the summer term 2021 if they are not ready or are unable to meet the statutory requirements.

In response to the changing curriculum, CARE has published a new guide to help parents engage with schools ahead of September 2021.

Not only does the guide explain what's new and different about RSE in secondary schools and relationships education in primary schools, it also provides advice on engaging with headteachers about the new curriculum.

The new law now requires schools to consult parents before making or revising the statement of their policy on relationships education (primary) or RSE (secondary). Under the old regime schools were encouraged by the guidance but not required by the law to consult parents. In practice very few did. Now they must.

As schools are now required to consult with parents when they draw up or revise their policy on relationships education or RSE, parents will now gain a new opportunity to have their views heard by schools to influence the way that the curriculum is put together and how the subjects are taught.

CARE's new guide will help parents navigate the changes and engage constructively and effectively with schools in England before September 2021.