RSE Policy

RSE Policy St Patrick’s BNS Ringsend

 (in addition to our SPHE Policy)

Relationships and Sexuality Education

(R.S.E.) Policy

Introduction

This policy was drawn up in 2003 by a Committee involving teachers and parents. It was reviewed in 2008 by the then principal and staff. It was reviewed again in 2016 by the then principal, post-holder and staff. We introduced a 2 year plan in 2018-2019 but felt the need to re-visit it this year after a review. A new plan was formulated in November 2019 to be rolled out from 2020-2021.

Rationale

Education is St. Patrick’s is characterised by respect and care for each individual. The child’s many needs are met in a well-structured environment where he can live fully the life of a child and develop as a whole person-academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. While nourishing the child’s young life, we strive to foster an atmosphere that will enable each child develop to his full potential in a safe environment. The environment is such that the child is encouraged and stimulated to be confident, appreciate, independent and creative. The Relationships and Sexuality (RSE) programme will be implemented within this framework

 Definition of RSE

RSE aims to provide opportunities for children to learn about relationships and sexuality in ways that help them think and act in a moral, caring and responsible way. This work will be based on developing a good image, promoting respect for themselves and others, and providing them with appropriate information for their age-group.

RSE in the context of our SPHE programme

Throughout the school year, Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is taught as a subject from Junior Infants to 6th class. A wide variety of topics are included on this programme, at age-appropriate levels. RSE forms a part of this programme; it is a spiral curriculum which ensures that topics are taught in a developmental manner throughout a child’s primary school years.

Aims of our RSE programme

  • To enhance the personal development, self-esteem and well-being of each child.
  • To help children develop healthy friendships and relationships.
  • To foster an understanding of, and a healthy attitude to, human sexuality and relationships in a moral, spiritual and social framework.
  • To enable the older child to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, human love, sexual intercourse and reproduction.
  • To develop and promote in the child a sense of wonder and awe at the process of birth and new life.
  • To enable the child to be comfortable with the sexuality of oneself and others while growing and developing.

School Policies and Curricular Plans which support our RSE:

Traditionally we are a child centred school. The educational and emotional needs of the children in our care are central to our curricular planning and policy making processes.

Included in the school curriculum is Religious Education.

  • (Grow in Love and Alive-O Programme).
  • SPHE Curriculum
  • Stay Safe Programme
  • Walk Tall Programme
  • Policies which support SPHE/RSE such as Weaving Wellbeing.
  • School’s Code of Behaviour and Discipline Policy.
  • Healthy Eating Policy.
  • Anti –Bullying Policy.
  • Child Protection Policy.
  • Enrolment Policy.
  • Mobile Phone Policy Statement.
  • Internet Safety Policy.
  • Administration of Medicine Policy.
  • Accord Programme for 6th class

In keeping with the sentiment and spirit of these policies we informally support many of the aims on which RSE is modelled. We encourage good behaviour, open communication, understanding and tolerance of differences, and respect for staff and others. We recognise that both pupils and staff have rights and responsibilities in our school. A sense of responsibility is fostered and attention is paid to the well- being of all the members of the school community.

Overview of content StrandInfant Classes1st and 2nd Classes
StrandStrand Units
MyselfI am uniqueMy BodyAs I grow I changeNew LifeFeeling SafeFeelings and emotionsMaking decisionsI am uniqueMy BodyAs I grow I changeNew LifeFeeling SafeFeelings and emotionsMaking decisions
Myself and othersMyself and my familyMyself and my friendsSpecial people in my lifeRelating to othersMyself and my familyMyself and my friendsOther peopleRelating to others




Strand3rd and 4th Classes5th and 6th Classes
 Strand Units
MyselfAccepting myselfPhysical developmentGrowing and changingBirth and new lifeFeelings and emotionsPersonal HygienePersonal SafetyMaking decisionsAccepting myselfPhysical developmentBecoming an adultParenthoodFeelings and emotionsPersonal HygienePersonal SafetyMaking decisions
Myself and othersRoles and responsibilities in familiesPortrayal of sexuality and relationshipsRoles of males and females in societyRelating to othersChanging relationships in families and friendshipsGroup affiliation and loyaltyPortrayal of sexuality and relationshipsSexual stereotypesRelating to others




Guidelines for the management and organisation of RSE in this school:

  • R.S.E. is taught as an integral part of the Social, Personal and Health Education. We recognise that parents are the primary educators of their children, and that the home is the natural environment in which RSE should take place. The role of the school, therefore, is seen as one of support for the work of the home in this area.
  • On enrolment, parents will be provided with a copy of the R.S.E. policy. They will also be sent a reminder letter a week before the sensitive topics are taught. The approach in school is child-centred and will always take the age and stage of development of the children into account.
  • Appropriate vocabulary relating to sexuality, growing up, physical changes, parts of the body and feelings will be used. The use of slang words will be discouraged. (See appendix 2 for language).
  • Some aspects of RSE will be taught through discrete lessons with the remainder being taught in a cross curricular manner. Teachers will have to identify the appropriate links with other subject areas to ensure that children receive a broad based approach to RSE.
  • Discrete lessons with regard to sensitive and areas of RSE (physical changes at puberty, menstruation, intercourse, conception for senior classes) will be timetabled for term 2 or 3.
  • Parents/Guardians will be notified in advance and invited to talk to the teachers if they have any concerns and also may view the contents if they wish. 
  • Questions arising from lesson content will be answered in an age-appropriate manner. The class teacher cannot answer questions which do not relate to the particular curriculum objectives for a class. Pupils will be informed if a question/issue is not on the programme and they will be advised to talk with their parents.
  • Presently all teachers deliver this programme to their own class. However, provisions will be made for teachers who may have difficulty with teaching the sensitive areas of the programme.
  • Arrangements may be made with colleagues by mutual agreement to deliver whatever sections of the programme a teacher may have difficulty with.
  • Staff members own privacy will be respected and they should not feel obliged to disclose aspects of their own personal life.

Withdrawal of a child from the lessons with sensitive topics

Our RSE programme is inclusive and so we actively discourage withdrawal. Should a parent seek to have their child withdrawn from the RSE lessons, the school will take account of parental concerns, and parents’ right to withdraw their child from themes pertaining to sensitive issues will be honoured on the understanding that the parent is taking full responsibility for this aspect of education themselves. The onus will be on the parent to inform the school in writing of this decision. If a child is withdrawn from the lesson, the school cannot guarantee that other children will not inform the child in question of the content of the lessons or that the children in the class may not refer incidentally in class to aspects of the lesson during subsequent days/weeks. (See appendix 3 for Teaching R.S.E. to 5th/6th classes).

Confidentiality

Where there is disclosure by a child of abuse, or a teacher has any concerns about a child, the school authorities will follow the  Child Protection Protection Procedures 2017. The Principal is our Designated Liaison Person.

Ongoing support, development and review

The Board of Management, staff, pupils and parents supports the implementation of the RSE programme. We recognise that our school has a supportive role to that of the home and we have a commitment to ensuring that our teachers have access to in-career development opportunities and access to relevant teaching materials.

Teaching Methodologies/Approaches:

  • Integration with other curricular areas, SPHE, SESE, Art, Religion and Drama.
  • Direct Teaching for the discrete, sensitive areas of the programme.
  • Discussion, group work, role play, circle time, video education.
  • The age and development of the pupils are considered and arrangements made as necessary.

Resources:

  • RSE Interim Curriculum Guidelines for Primary Schools (NCCA).
  • Relationship and Sexuality Education. Department of Education and

Skills.

  • Social Stories.
  • Early Moments Dolls ( 2 sets of anatomically correct boys and girls).
  • Illustrative Diagrams. (Male, Female).

Evaluation

  • Teacher Observation
  • Pupils Behaviour.
  • Pupils/Parents Feedback.

Parents/Guardians have the primary responsibility for educating their children in sexual matters. The School’s RSE programme only acts as a support to parents.

Implementation

This revised policy will be implemented from 2020-2021 and will be reviewed again in 2022.

Ratification

This policy was updated and ratified by the Board of Management in November 2019.

Signed: _________________________________ Date: ______________

Children with Special Needs

  • Children with Special Needs will need more help than others in coping with the physical and emotional aspects of growing up.
  • They may also need more help with learning what sorts of behaviour are/are not acceptable.
  • The Resource Teacher can input here.

 Teaching RSE to Children with Autism

 General Principles

 Consulting with Parents: Given the sensitivity of some of the topics in RSE it is advisable to talk to parents if there are specific issues, if the teacher is unsure about anything or if a child is behaving in ways that are inappropriate.

Small Group Work. Children with learning difficulties, including children with autism, can benefit from small group work. This allows for repetition and re-enforcement and also facilitates development of social skills.

Development of Social Skills. This is an important aspect of the RSE programme for children with autism. A useful resource for this is ‘Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome and Social and Communication Problems’.

Use of Visual Resources.

Children with autism often learn better from visual resource. Suggested resources are: Busy Bodies DVD and Parents Booklet

. RSE FOR STUDENTS WITH MILD GENERAL LEARNING DISABILITIES THE NCCA ‘GUIDELINES FOR TEACHERS OF STUDENTS WITH GENERAL LEARNING DISABILITIES’ (WWW.NCCA.IE) HAS A WEALTH OF INFORMATION AND MATERIAL FOR TEACHING SPHE TO STUDENTS WITH GENERAL LEARNING DISABILITIES.

RSE is part of the educational entitlement of all students. All young people, whatever their ability, develop physically and emotionally and all need help to understand their bodies and their feelings.

RSE helps students with their overall development, confidence and self- esteem. Some students with mild learning disabilities may lack confidence and need opportunities to develop the following skills through a structured SPHE/RSE programme:

  • Development of positive self esteem
  • Social and communication skills
  • Appropriate expression of feelings
  • Safety and protection skills
  • An understanding of their body and the changes that take place at puberty.

When teaching RSE it is worth remembering that:

  • The development of interpersonal skills and knowledge about one’s body is dependent on the development of communication and language skills. This is the most fundamental skill that children need in order to describe themselves, to relate to their peers, and to interact with the outside world.
  • The education of the child should be needs led, meaning that the teacher should try to establish what the needs of the student are and also what the child’s emotional readiness and level of understanding are. This can be done through consultation with the parents and with the student him/herself.
  • Consultation with the parents on sensitive issues is advisable. They may find the subject of sexuality in relation to their child difficult and may need information and support.
  • Following consultation with parents and other members of staff, an Individual Education Plan for the student should be developed.
  • The child will be better able to learn if the teacher uses key words, diagrams and active learning methodologies. Children with learning difficulties may also need more repetition and reinforcement.
  • The resource teacher could consider integrating some of the RSE content into his/her lessons in order to reinforce the learning from the mainstream classroom.
  • Children with learning difficulties need to learn in a variety of contexts in order to be able to generalise what they have learned.
  • Inappropriate behaviour is not necessarily sexual but may stem from the fact that the child is stressed, bored, lonely or lacks access to other sensory experience. This should be borne in mind when helping a student to understand the boundaries between public and private behaviour.
  • Many inappropriate behaviours in children are preventable if school initiates a conversation with parents while their child is in infant classes. This should stress the importance of putting a consistent approach in place which grows with the pupil and which, from the time the child is young, teaches what is appropriate, in what setting, and when.
ClassLanguage Taught
Junior Infants“Womb”“Penis”, “vagina” and “urethra”-taught as obvious physical differences between boy/girl“Breast-feeding” may be used in conversations as a means of feeding a baby. 
Senior InfantsAs for Junior Infants
First Class“penis” and *urethra” taught in terms of passing urine(See DES Resource Materials p 70-71)
Second ClassAs for First class
Third ClassRevision of terms listed above.“Developing foetus”
Fourth Class“Developing foetus”“Umbilical cord”“Navel” 
Fifth Class“Growth spurt”“menstruation”“development of breasts”“ovaries”“fallopian tubes”“sperm production”“erection”“sexual intercourse”“conception”“puberty”, “human reproduction” and “sexual intercourse” in the context of a loving family.(See DES RSE resource materials for 5th and 6th)
Sixth ClassAs in 5th class“pregnancy”Development of baby in wombContractionsBirth of baby