Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

England plans to ban sex education for children under nine: Report

This new guidance, set to be announced on Thursday, would specify what topics are appropriate for different age groups and grant parents access to teaching materials.

England plans to ban sex education for children under nine: Report

England is planning to ban sex education for children under nine years old, as well as any teaching about gender identity, according to a news report.

The move comes alongside a review of relationships, sex, and health education (RSHE) guidance.


This new guidance, set to be announced on Thursday, would specify what topics are appropriate for different age groups and grant parents access to teaching materials, reported the BBC.

It will also impose further restrictions on how teachers discuss gender and sexuality, including transgender and non-binary status, following pressure from Conservative MPs.

Head teachers argue there's no widespread issue with inappropriate materials. One union has said the review is "politically motivated," the BBC reported.

The proposed changes aim to offer clearer guidance for teachers and reassure parents. However, critics like Paul Whiteman from the school leaders' union NAHT question the effectiveness of imposing age limits, expressing concerns that such restrictions might lead children to seek information from unreliable sources.

According to the BBC, Rebecca Leek from the Suffolk Primary Headteachers' Association suggests the proposed bans won't significantly alter current practices, as sex education typically starts around age 10.

Meanwhile, Pepe Di'Iasio, representing the Association of School and College Leaders, believes pupils are being politicised and stresses the importance of evidence-based decisions in education.

The National Education Union supports discussions about relationships for primary-school children, emphasising the need for open dialogue with trusted adults.

The upcoming guidance follows previous controversies, including protests against LGBT relationships education at Anderton Park Primary. Head teacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson told the BBC the new guidance must leave no room for ambiguity, particularly regarding LGBT relationships education.

Conservative MPs have raised concerns about children's exposure to "inappropriate content" and "radical ideologies" and called for a review of RSHE guidance. Prime minister Rishi Sunak accelerated this review, with the forthcoming guidance expected to address contested issues like gender ideology.

In Northern Ireland, relationships and sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory, while Welsh schools have had mandatory RSE since 2022. Scotland is finalising updated guidance following a public consultation in 2023.

More For You

Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

Asim Munir

Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

PAKISTAN’S army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday (7) rejected Delhi’s allegation that his military received active support from longtime ally China in its conflict with India in May.

The Indian Army’s deputy chief, Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, said last week that China gave Islamabad “live inputs” on key Indian positions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi courts Latin nations to expand trade relations

Christine Kangaloo awards Narendra Modi with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago last Friday (4)

Modi courts Latin nations to expand trade relations

INDIA’S prime minister, Narendra Modi met Argentine president Javier Milei in Buenos Aires last Saturday (5), urging the expansion of New Delhi’s preferential trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc.

The bilateral talks with Milei were the latest in Modi’s whistle-stop diplomatic tour culminating in the summit of Brics emerging economies which began last Sunday (6) in Brazil.

Keep ReadingShow less
Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

Lord Coaker (Photo: UK Parliament)

Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

A FRESH parliamentary initiative to establish a dedicated Sikh regiment within the British Army has gained momentum in the House of Lords, with defence minister Lord Coaker expressing willingness to engage in further discussions about the long-debated proposal.

The issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday (7) by Labour peer Lord Sahota, who asked whether there had been any progress on long-standing calls for a Sikh regiment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heatwave Alert: Don’t Leave Contraceptives or Medication in Cars

Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices

iStock

Drivers warned to remove contraceptives and medication from cars during UK heatwave

Highlights:

  • Experts urge motorists to avoid leaving certain items in vehicles during upcoming heatwave
  • Temperatures expected to rise above 30°C across large parts of the UK
  • Contraceptives and common medications can lose effectiveness in high heat
  • Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices

Drivers urged to act as UK braces for extended heatwave

Drivers across the UK are being urged to remove a range of everyday items from their cars ahead of a predicted heatwave, with experts warning that the rising temperatures could pose both safety and health risks.

The Met Office has forecast a prolonged spell of hot weather, with temperatures expected to soar into the low 30s on Thursday and Friday. Much of the UK is likely to hit its regional heatwave threshold by the weekend, with this episode potentially affecting a wider area and lasting longer than previous hot spells.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal Mail

The Royal Mail logo is seen on the side of a van as the UK government clear a 3.57 billion pound takeover offer by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in London, December 16, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Ofcom updates Royal Mail delivery targets, starts pricing review

MEDIA regulator Ofcom has set new minimum delivery standards for Royal Mail and revised existing targets in an effort to reduce delays. It also announced a review into pricing and affordability, amid concerns over rising stamp prices.

Royal Mail, which has faced fines of around $20 million over the past two years for not meeting delivery targets, is currently trying to modernise operations and focus more on parcel deliveries.

Keep ReadingShow less