Barnardo’s calls for LGBT+ relationships to be included in lessons in all schools to mark LGBT History Month.
THE UK’s largest national children’s charity is urging the Government to listen to feedback from its relationship and sex education consultation as the charity marks LGBT History Month.
Barnardo’s says there must be education about same-sex relationships in both secondary and primary school lessons.
The Department for Education is presently reviewing the responses submitted to the consultation to update the guidance on how relationships and sex education should be taught.
The topics covered in relationships education include subjects that Barnardo’s believe should be taught, including healthy relationships, consent and online safety. While there is reference in the guidance to different types of relationships, there is a lack of explicit reference to same-sex relationships in primary school.
Barnardo’s knows from speaking with LGBT+ young people who there is a need for same-sex relationship education. This should start in primary school when children are starting to notice the different types of relationships they see around them, or indeed feelings they may be starting to develop themselves.
For younger children, lessons about heterosexual and same-sex relationships does not need to refer to sex, but would help children understand different relationships, and normalise talking about LGBT+ issues.
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “We’re calling on the Government to make sure all children learn about LGBTQ relationships as part of the Relationship and Sex Education curriculum, including at primary school.
“Young LGBTQ people and those with parents and carers in same-sex relationships may feel marginalised if lessons don’t reflect their experience.
“Lessons should encourage young people to understand their rights and responsibilities, and the role they can play in promoting equality and respect for all.”