Relationships and Sex Education 3-11: Supporting Children's Development and Well-being

Description

'Where do babies come from?' The prospect of this age-old question is one that causes significant apprehension for many professionals working with children, but this isn't where the anxiety ends. This book argues that it is essential to have clear strategies to support children's questions about relationships, growing up and sex so that they are enabled to develop positive and confident views about themselves and those around them. It examines important concerns such as the role of media in children's lives in shaping their views on relationships and explores how issues of gender and sexuality are considered more fluidly. Whether working in an academy, free schools, faith schools, the independent sector or elsewhere this book supports you to help children to deal with a wide range of relationships issues, meeting the requirements of the new legislation on relationships education for primary aged children as a foundation for relationships and sex education. Drawing on research with teachers about their apprehensions about teaching the subject and children's experience of its delivery, the authors give a full picture of common concerns and difficulties and how to successfully meet them and support children from 3-11, and the transition to secondary school. Topics covered include platonic friendships, developing self-respect and respect for others, and enabling personal choice and safety. Sacha Mason and Richard Woolley explore issues surrounding notions of age and stage development. They discuss how children develop at different rates and that each child is unique in relation to learning in this area. They outline a distinct pedagogical approach to managing children's individual needs for relationships and sex education. They also look at supporting children with SEND when considering how to implement relationships education in primary schools. This second edition includes new chapters on children's development and needs, and developing inclusive relationships education. The book has been updated throughout with summaries of the latest research, case studies, ideas for developing practice and signposts to key websites and resources. The chapters provide all the support you need to confidently promote children's healthy development.

Sacha Mason is Programme Leader for Professional Studies at Bishop Grosseteste University, UK. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Richard Woolley is Deputy Head of the School of Education at the University of Worcester, UK, where from 2011 - 2017 he served as Head of Centre for Education and Inclusion. He is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

A timely update on the previous edition. This clear, unambiguous text acknowledges and addresses some of the assumptions that can get in the way of planning effective, inclusive RSE, and is a supportive guide for those teaching sensitive issues in the school environment. * Branwen Bingle, Operational Lead for Initial Teacher Education Partnerships and School Direct, University of Greenwich, UK * A must-read text for practitioners and students on this very important topic. The book is full of searching questions that encourage an open and thought-provoking dialogue. It is engaging and accessible with practical ways to develop and heighten reflection and self-awareness. The integration of sex education with relationships is hugely important and reflects the ever-changing landscape of our understanding. * Cathryn Keighley, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of Professional Practice, Institute of Childhood and Education, Leeds Trinity University, UK *