Sharing information and engaging parents in RSHE

For statutory Relationships Education and Health Education, schools are required to teach the content and do not need to consult parents on what is covered. However, the statutory guidance places strong emphasis on openness, transparency and proactive engagement with parents.

Sharing information and engaging parents are important because they help parents understand what their child is learning, support conversations at home and build trust in the school’s approach to RSHE.

What does sharing and engagement involve?

Sharing and engagement focus on keeping parents informed, rather than seeking approval. This includes:

• Explaining what will be taught and when, in an age-appropriate way.
• Outlining the purpose of RSHE and how it supports pupils’ wellbeing and safety.
• Making RSHE curriculum materials available to parents on request.
• Showing parents a representative sample of resources used in teaching.
• Informing parents of their legal rights, including the right to request withdrawal from non-statutory sex education.

The statutory guidance is clear that parents are entitled to see what their children are being taught, particularly when sensitive topics are involved, but they cannot veto statutory curriculum content.

How can schools share information with parents?

The guidance does not prescribe a single approach. Schools are expected to choose methods that suit their community and context. Common approaches include:

• Publishing the RSHE policy and curriculum overview on the school website.
• Sending letters or updates to parents when RSHE is taught.
• Holding parent information meetings or workshops.
• Providing opportunities to view resources in school or via secure online access.
• Offering meetings with the RSHE or PSHE lead to discuss questions or concerns.

These approaches are designed to promote understanding and dialogue, rather than formal consultation.

Ongoing engagement, not one-off communication

Engaging parents in RSHE is an ongoing process rather than a one-off activity. Schools should continue to keep parents informed about RSHE across the school year, particularly when new or sensitive content is taught. This includes responding to questions or concerns in a timely and respectful way and offering opportunities for parents to discuss the curriculum with appropriate members of staff.

Schools should also support parents in continuing conversations at home by explaining the purpose of RSHE and signposting current learning. Where the RSHE policy is updated or reviewed, schools should share this information with parents so they remain aware of how the curriculum is delivered.

This ongoing engagement helps to build trust and understanding, supports pupils’ learning and complements the formal consultation processes set out in the school’s RSHE policy.