Many family groups have expressed concern at the undermining of the rights of families in the Children, Schools and Families Bill which is currently before Parliament. If made law this bill will make Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE, including sex education) part of the National Curriculum.

“Too Much, Too Soon – The government’s plans for your child’s sex education” is one of the excellent commentaries on this bill which can be downloaded at www.famyouth.org.uk, where Norman Wells gives information about the pressure groups which have been involved in campaigning for the bill. In the section “Parents’ views not sought”, he reaches the conclusion:

The government’s decision to make PHSE, including SRE [Sex & Relationships Education] a statutory part of the National Curriculum was therefore made without any consultation with parents (page 35).

Concern over this bill is not just a religious issue:

• It is about parents having the right to bring up children according to their own values
• It is about school governors (accessible to parents) losing their powers over PSHE
• It is about protecting young people from being exposed to materials which are inappropriate for their age.

Concerned parents are encouraged to check the website mentioned above.