MPs back parents’ right to remove pupils from sex-education classes

A REPORT by a committee of MPs has backed parents who want to remove their children from sex education classes and has recommended that schools consult parents on the content of lessons, writes Liz Dodd.

The report, which was prepared by the Education Select Committee, said there was no significant evidence that sex education has a negative impact on children’s behaviour.

It recommended that schools allow all parents to participate in regular consultations about sex and relationship education (SRE) and said that the Government’s education regulator, Ofsted, should inspect this engagement.

It also recommended that “the parental right to withdraw their children from elements of SRE should be retained”.

The Catholic Education Service backed many aspects of the report and welcomed in particular its emphasis on the role of parents. But it insisted that Catholic schools retain their autonomy over the SRE curriculum and that students be taught about sex within the context of church teaching.