Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education whether any assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the delivery of education in schools on (i) relationship; (ii) consent; and (iii) behaviour.
Minister of Education: My Department has assessed the effectiveness of education relating to relationships, consent and behaviour through inspection activity, thematic evaluations and stakeholder engagement.
Inspection evidence indicates that, in most cases, schools provide effective provision, particularly in promoting positive behaviour, wellbeing and respectful relationships. However, a thematic evaluation of the preventative curriculum (April 2023) identified strong commitment from staff, but found inconsistencies in provision across schools, with aspects such as relationships and consent education sometimes underdeveloped or not delivered in a sufficiently coherent and consistent way.
As part of Curriculum 2028, the new Personal, Social, Civic and Careers (PSCC) curriculum provides, for the first time, a clearly sequenced pathway from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 3 in areas including relationships, consent and behaviour. It contains age-appropriate learning on personal boundaries, consent, healthy and unhealthy relationships, exploitation and peer pressure, alongside a stronger focus on self-regulation, decision-making, conflict resolution, respect and responsibility.
I have recently announced a review of behaviour policy. The review will ensure the Department’s approach to behaviour policy remains effective, evidence-based and responsive to the needs of schools and all children and young people. It will consider a range of approaches to supporting positive behaviour in schools, including relevant perspectives and evidence on the wider factors that may influence behaviour.
ENDS
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