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Tuesday 17 February 2015

Lib Dems call for PSHE to be compulsory in schools

This morning the Liberal Democrats are calling for compulsory Personal, Social and Health Education in schools. Under their manifesto plans children in state-funded schools, including free schools and academies will be taught a curriculum for life which includes age appropriate sex and relationship education.

Following the publication of a report by the Commons Education Committee which calls for all state primary and secondary schools in England to teach sex and relationship education, Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister Jo Swinson said:

"Liberal Democrats have long argued that Personal, Social and Health Education needs to be compulsory, including in academies and free schools. In the absence of high quality sex and relationships education, including issues around consent, it's clear that many young people are turning to the internet instead. But every parent knows that much of the material on the internet does not reflect the reality of adult relationships. That's why young people must have the opportunity to talk about these issues with a qualified adult, in an age appropriate way in the classroom."

"This report leaves the Conservatives even more isolated in their refusal to make PSHE compulsory. The Conservatives have to explain to parents why they are content for young people to rely on playground gossip and internet pornography." Ms Swinson added