SRE in special schools
Mainstream schools, special schools and Short Stay Schools all have a duty to ensure that pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and learning difficulties are properly included in SRE. These pupils may need more help than others in coping with the physical and emotional aspects of growing up; they may also need more help in learning what sorts of behaviour are and are not acceptable and in being warned and prepared against unacceptable behaviour by some adults. They will need help to develop skills to reduce the risks of being abused and exploited. SRE should enable them to make positive decisions in their lives.
Some parents and carers of children with SEN may find it difficult to accept their children’s developing sexuality and the idea that their children will some day become sexually active. Teachers will need to work closely with parents to build confidence in the SRE programme.
Planning will need to be more explicit and clearly identify how work will meet the individual needs of children with SEN or learning difficulties. It is important that pupils with SEN are not withdrawn from PSHE so that they can catch up on National Curriculum subjects. All staff in special schools may be involved in teaching some aspect of SRE so it is important that all staff develop the expertise and confidence to deliver an effective programme.
Read SEN and SRE (originally published in SEN Magazine).
Views of young people with learning disabilities
Talking about sex and relationships: the views of young people with learning disabilities. This report from CHANGE is based on research carried out by a team that included researchers with learning disabilities and used a range of techniques including drama work with young people with learning disabilities. The report recommends more and better sex education, tailored for those with learning disabilities, better training and more support for professionals and more involvement of parents. The report, in full and accessible formats, is available from the CHANGE website.
Resources
A list of useful resources and approaches is given in the resources section.
