It is right that the RSHE guidance, updated five years ago, should now be reviewed again. This was always the government’s intention, and is appropriate and necessary given the changing context in which children and young people are having to navigate these issues. 

However, we have significant concerns about elements of the new draft guidance. This consultation was rushed through ahead of the general election, on a very short timeframe. This meant that key stakeholders, including young people and their families, were not able to engage with the consultation to the extent that we would wish. 

The responses to the consultation will now need to be considered by the new government. While these responses will no doubt be helpful in enabling incoming ministers to gauge public opinion, ASCL’s view is that a flawed and rushed consultation process is not the right basis on which to undertake an important and sensitive review of this nature. 

We would therefore strongly advise the new government to reconsider the current draft guidance, and to re-consult on a revised version which takes into account some of the concerns likely to be raised by stakeholders around the current draft. 

Full response to consultation