What do children learn in RSE in the primary school?

Families and people who care for me

Pupils learn about family life, and how families provide love, security, and stability. They learn that healthy family life includes commitment, protection, care, quality time, and sharing, and that whilst families may look different, all are characterised by love and care. Children are made aware that stable, caring relationships are vital for their security as they grow. Pupils learn that marriage is a lifelong commitment between two people, available to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples in England and Wales. They also find out where to get help and advice if family relationships make them unhappy or unsafe.

Caring friendships

Pupils learn the importance of friendships and their characteristics, such as mutual respect, trustworthiness, kindness, generosity, and support. They learn that healthy friendships are inclusive, welcoming, and don’t make anyone feel lonely or excluded. They also learn to recognise trustworthy individuals and manage conflicts.

Respectful relationships

Pupils learn that they should respect others even if they are different. They find out how to improve relationships and be courteous. Pupils discuss how self-respect is important for happiness, and that they should expect respect and show it to others, including authority figures. They learn about bullying, its impact and their responsibilities as bystanders. Pupils also learn about how stereotypes are destructive and how they should seek and give permission in relationships.

Online relationships

Pupils learn that people behave differently online, and that the same principles apply to online relationships as in-person relationships. They find out how to recognise risks, harmful content and contact, and how to report them. They learn the importance of evaluating online friendships and sources of information critically, and come to understand how online data is shared and used.

Being safe

Children are taught about appropriate boundaries in friendships, privacy, personal safety, and how to report concerns or abuse. They also learn where to seek advice.