Teaching of LGBT equality in schools (FOI)

Request

Following protests outside Schools across the UK by Religious Groups opposing the teaching of Same Sex relationships and LGBT equality.

A

I would like to know whether Jersey will be following the UK plan to introduce the teaching of Same Sex relationships and LGBT equality into all Schools in 2020.

B

If so, whether religious Groups within Jersey have, or, are going to be consulted in order to avoid similar protests erupting in Jersey?

C

Whether Parents have, or, are going to be consulted on this teaching should they have any concerns or objections?

D

Whether Parents will have the right to withdraw their Children from such lessons?

E

Finally I would like to know whether Jersey would follow the UK should they decide to withdraw the teaching of Same Sex relationships and LGBT equality before 2020.

Response

A

The Jersey Curriculum (2014) is specific to Jersey with several differences to the National Curriculum in England. One key difference is that Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), including Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World, is and has always been a statutory part of the curriculum in Jersey.

The section of the curriculum relevant to this question states:

Relationships

Key stage 1 and 2

Pupils should be taught:

1. how to develop and maintain a variety of healthy relationships, within a range of social/cultural contexts

2. how to recognise and manage emotions within a range of relationships

3. how to recognise risky or negative relationships including all forms of bullying and abuse

4. how to respond to risky or negative relationships and ask for help

5. how to respect equality and diversity in relationships

Key stage 3 and 4

Pupils should be taught:

1. how to develop and maintain a variety of healthy relationships within a range of social / cultural contexts and to develop parenting skills

2. how to recognise and manage emotions within a range of relationships

3. how to deal with risky or negative relationships including all forms of bullying (including the distinct challenges posed by online bullying) and abuse, sexual and other violence and online encounters

4. about the concept of consent in a variety of contexts (including in sexual relationships)

5. about managing loss including bereavement, separation and divorce

6. to respect equality and be a productive member of a diverse community

7. how to identify and access appropriate advice and support

Schools are supported in the delivery of the curriculum through the PSHE Association who provide detailed schemes of work and resources.

PSHE Association

B and C

As there are no changes planned for the curriculum, there are no plans for consultation with religious groups at this point.

D The Education (Jersey) Law 1999 (as amended) part 4, paragraph 20, provides for the parental right to withdraw their child / Children from specific lessons only:

20. Right of parent to withdraw pupil from religious education and acts of worship:

(1) A parent of a pupil in a provided school may, on giving notice to the head teacher of the school, withdraw the pupil, either wholly or in part, from religious education or from acts of worship, or both.

(2) Where a head teacher receives notice under paragraph (1), the head teacher shall provide supervision of the pupil during the periods when the pupil would otherwise receive religious education or attend an act of worship.

The Education (Jersey) Law 1999

There is no such provision for withdrawal from PSHE or any other subjects of the Jersey Curriculum.

E

As we already have compulsory PSHE, this question does not apply to Jersey. Under the Education (Jersey) Law 1999 (as amended) the decision-making process for matters curriculum is that the Education Minister is advised by the Jersey Curriculum Council. As stated above, no changes have been made to the PSHE curriculum in Jersey since 2014.