It is provided through both the National Curriculum Science course and through our Personal and Social Education programme. The material used is carefully scrutinized and our teaching staff are trained so that sensitive issues are dealt with inside a moral framework. We also call on the services of community professionals. We recognize that our policy and strategies are meant to complement and not supplant the responsibility of the parents to deal with such matters. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the sex education topics within the PSE programme. Currently no parents exercise this right.

Religious education is a statutory requirement and is taught to all pupils following guidelines laid down by the LEA. Our collective worship is of a broadly Christian nature but we are conscious of being a multi faith school, therefore we choose topics that enable students from all faiths to feel comfortable in celebrating their own beliefs. In every act of worship there is time to reflect or pray on the issue covered. Periodically, assemblies are taken by members of various religious communities after consultation with senior staff. On occasions pupils of the Islamic faith request a room for prayer, especially during Ramadan. This request is always granted. As with sex education, parents have a right to withdraw their child from these activities. Currently, no parents exercise this right.

Parents should be aware that schools have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of all pupils. This responsibility means that the school: Has a child protection policy and procedures May require their child to be referred to the statutory child welfare agencies Will endeavor to work with parents and remain impartial if their child is being, or has been referred Will help parents understand that a referral is in the interests of the child and that the school will be involved in the child protection enquiry or police investigation in relation to children’s educational progress; and Will keep the parents informed of the educational progress of the child. Where the school has a concern about a child, they will, in general seek to discuss these with the family and, where possible, seek their agreement to making referrals to social services. However, this should only be done where such a discussion and agreement will not place a child at increased risk of significant harm. That advice will be provided by the local social services department in consultation, where appropriate, the police. The designated individual at the school will clarify with these statutory agencies, when, how and by whom, the parents will be told about any referrals. They will also seek advice as to whether or not the child should be informed of the process. Click to download the schools official Child Protection Document.