Relationship and Sexuality Education helps pupils feel safe and respected, but provision is not yet consistent

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is helping many children and young people in Wales develop respect, understanding and healthy relationships, according to a new report published by Estyn today.

The report, ‘Developing respect and understanding: The quality and impact of relationships and sexuality education in schools and pupil referral units‘, explores the quality and impact of RSE in schools and pupil referral units (PRUs) across Wales. Inspectors visited 30 providers, speaking with pupils, staff and leaders, and observing learning sessions, assemblies and focus groups.

The report finds that many schools and PRUs place wellbeing, safeguarding and inclusion at the heart of their work. In the strongest examples, positive relationships are embedded throughout school life, creating environments where pupils feel safe, valued and supported.

Inspectors found that nearly all pupils enjoyed learning about relationships and valued opportunities to discuss issues that affect their lives. Many schools provide worthwhile learning experiences that help children and young people explore important themes such as respect, emotions, diverse families, children’s rights, healthy and unhealthy relationships, prejudice and tolerance.

Strong partnerships with health professionals, police officers and community organisations are also helping schools respond effectively to issues facing young people, including online safety, harmful attitudes and unhealthy relationships.

However, the report identifies important areas for improvement. While many schools have mapped RSE across year groups, progression in learning is not always clear or coherent. Sensitive topics such as sexuality, consent, gender identity and harmful gender stereotypes are often taught inconsistently. Inspectors also found that many practitioners lack confidence in teaching these complex areas and would benefit from more specialist professional learning. The report also highlights that provision is too often evaluated by whether topics have been covered rather than by the impact on pupils’ knowledge, attitudes and decision-making.

Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said:

“Our findings show that many schools and pupil referral units across Wales have created inclusive and supportive environments where children and young people can learn about healthy relationships and feel safe discussing issues that matter to them.

“However, there are inconsistencies in how some of the more sensitive aspects of Relationships and Sexuality Education are taught. As children and young people grow, it is important that learning develops in depth and complexity so that they can build the knowledge, understanding and confidence they need for adult life.

“By strengthening progression, investing in professional learning and ensuring consistent support across Wales, we can help all learners benefit from high-quality Relationships and Sexuality Education.”

Estyn recommends that schools and PRUs strengthen curriculum planning to ensure clear progression in RSE from ages 3 to 16 and improve the quality and consistency of teaching through targeted, subject-specific professional learning. The report also calls on local authorities, school improvement services, Dysgu and the Welsh Government to strengthen support, collaboration, guidance and funding for RSE, alongside examples of effective practice from across Wales.