The Relationships, Sex and Health Education in Schools Conference 2024

In March 2023, Rishi Sunak announced that the Department for Education would be reviewing Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) statutory guidance, following concerns that children were being exposed to inappropriate content. It is currently mandatory to teach RSHE in all secondary schools in England, with the current curriculum covering content on a wide range of key topics, such as sexual relationships and online abuse. However, with the current controversies around the delivery of RSHE in schools, schools must work together to share best practice and develop an RSHE curriculum which is suitable and beneficial for all pupils.

• 42% of respondents, to the Sex Education Forum’s survey in 2023, felt that their schools were not informing their parents enough about RSHE
• In response to the SEF survey, 58% of students reported that they didn’t learn enough about today’s most pressing issues
• 3 years after the Government introduced statutory RSHE, only 40% of young people rate their lessons as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ (SEF, 2022)

Join us at The Relationships, Sex and Health Education in Schools Conference 2024 to hear the latest guidance and best practice in teaching RSHE in schools. High-level keynotes will provide insights into the latest national updates and strategic guidance on implementing RSHE in your schools. Topics of best practice include working in partnership with faith groups to deliver an inclusive curriculum, tips on implementing a whole-school approach to teaching RSHE, and engaging with parents. A breakout networking session offers the opportunity to share your experiences whilst networking with other senior colleagues from a variety of sectors.

Why Attend:
✓ Hear the latest policies and strategies for implementing and delivering successful RSHE lessons
✓ Best practice examples of working with parents when developing RSHE curriculums

✓ Engage with selected case studies addressing key challenges including ensuring RSHE is inclusive
✓ Network with speakers and senior colleagues from across the education sector
✓ CPD (gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota)

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE TO YOUR
CONFERENCE PACKAGE – GE Insights:

This year’s conference package includes 12-months FREE access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource of case study focused videos, articles, lived experiences and more (RRP £199). Gain unlimited access to our online platform when you purchase your conference ticket.

Key benefits include:

 ✓100s of Exclusive Case Studies – fingertip access to videos and articles covering all key sectors including Police & Criminal Justice, and ALL CPD certified

 ✓Key Sessions from All Our Conferences – gain valuable insights from our past, present, and future events (160+ pa)

 ✓Articles and Interviews – learn from our network of expert speakers and contributors explore further the key discussions from the conferences

 ✓Additional CPD Hours – automatically earn more for everything you watch, read, and hear

 ✓Your Own CPD Dashboard – charts your progress, allows you to add notes, download your activities, and save/print an official CPD certificate

 ✓Personalised Homepage – only see the relevant content you need to save time

 ✓30+ New Uploads Each Month – we’re adding new content every week to ensure you stay engaged and informed all year round.

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

• 09.00

  Online Registration 

• 09.40

  Chair’s Opening Remarks 

   

• 09.50

  Keynote: National Overview of RSHE Policy: Update from the Department for Education

  Abstract: This session discusses the importance of RSHE in reducing violence, highlights funding streams for RSHE implementation, and offers tips for transparent communication with parents.

  • Insights into the 2023 RSHE independent review: understanding the latest developments in teaching RSHE
  • Advice on how RSHE can reduce sexual harassment and violence within our schools
  • Outlining the key funding streams available to schools delivering RSHE and how to secure funding
  • Key tips on developing open and transparent communication with parents around the RSHE curriculum

  Paula Penny, Head of the RSHE and Citizenship Policy Unit, Department for Education (invited)

• 10.20

  Keynote: Implementing a Whole-School Approach to Teaching RSHE

   Abstract: This presentation presents guidance for planning RSHE lessons that encourage safe discussions and reflection on diverse perspectives. It emphasises the co-production of a representative curriculum with students and offers support strategies for teachers. Additionally, it outlines methods for whole-school involvement in RSHE through ongoing curriculum reviews.

  • Advice on planning RSHE lessons that facilitate safe discussions and allow pupils to reflect on different perspectives, such as gender and friendship
  • Tools and resources to ensure staff receive training that helps them deliver relevant and up-to-date RSHE lessons
  • Co-producing a dynamic curriculum alongside students to ensure it is representative of all pupils’ beliefs
  • Guidance on providing support to ensure teachers involved in RSHE teaching are comfortable when teaching RSHE
  • Strategies to facilitate whole school involvement in RSE through constant reviews of the RSHE curriculum

  Lucy Emmerson, Chief Executive, Sex Education Forum (CONFIRMED)

• 10.40

  Questions & Answers Session

• 11.00

  Comfort Break 

• 11.30

  Case Study: Implementing an RSHE Curriculum that Supports Safeguarding Responsibilities  

   Abstract: This session provides practical guidance for sensitively engaging students with concerns in RSHE lessons and suggests using distancing techniques, like characters, to ease disclosure pressures. It advises on directing students to reliable information sources and emphasises the importance of statutory guidance, such as Keeping Children Safe in Education, to prepare staff for responding to disclosures of abuse or neglect.

  • Tips on spotting the signs of, and sensitively engaging with, pupils who may have concerns about themselves or a peer
  • Implementing distancing techniques, through the use of characters, to ease the pressure on pupils disclosing hard-to-discuss information
  • Advice on signposting pupils to safe sources of information relevant to the RSHE curriculum
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education: using statutory guidance to make staff aware of what to do if a child tells them they are being abused or neglected
  • Creating accessible pathways to ensure pupils can easily disclose safeguarding concerns and staff know the right avenues to escalate them

  Mr J Day, Assistant Headteacher (Personal Development, Equality & Diversity), Taverham High School

• 11.50

  Case Study: Embedding the Importance of Consent into the RSHE Curriculum           

   Abstract: This session outlines best practices for teaching students about sexual violence and consent. It covers methods for defining sexual violence and understanding its prevalence, tips for recognising verbal and non-verbal signs of consent, strategies for discussing age-appropriate consent scenarios, and the importance of fostering respect and safety. These approaches aim to equip students with essential knowledge and skills for respectful and safe interactions.

  • Sharing best practice on educating students on the definition of sexual violence and the prevalence in our current society
  • Tips to facilitate the understanding of verbal and non-verbal signs of consent
  • Successful strategies to encourage discussion of age-appropriate scenarios related to consent
  • Adopting an approach which outlines the importance of respect and helping others in creating a safe environment for each other
  • Equipping pupils’ with knowledge of what to do if they witness or experience inappropriate sexual behaviour

  Debbie Aslan, PSHE Lead, Sheffield Inclusion Centre (CONFIRMED)

• 12.10

  Case Study: Working in Partnership to Protect Students from Online Harms

  Abstract: This case study explores the Rise e2e program, focusing on building skilled and resilient young people who can identify online harms. It discusses co-producing presentations on online child sexual exploitation and implementing peer-led projects for deeper understanding. Additionally, it emphasises consolidating learning with printed and digital resources, fostering holistic online safety education for youth.

  • Insights into the Rise e2e programme: building skilled and resilient young people who can spot online harms and keep themselves safe
  • Embedding lived experiences of online child sexual exploitation and grooming to raise awareness
  • Implementing education around sexting and image-based abuse to help young people stay safe
  • Implementing peer-led projects to help students gain a better understanding of practice around safeguarding and safety
  • Consolidating learning inside and outside the classroom through printed and digital resources

  Erica Thornton, Chief Executive, Breck Foundation (CONFIRMED)

• 12.30

  Questions and Answers Session

• 12.50

  Lunch Break 

• 13.50

  Keynote: Developing an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum that Supports All Students

   Abstract: This keynote emphasises the importance of providing staff with support and training to confidently teach about the LGBTQ+ community in RSHE. It suggests embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion school-wide by celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month. Guidance is offered on integrating LGBTQ+ issues across the curriculum, not just in RSHE, and tips are provided for creating tailored mental health support for LGBTQ+ students.

  • Providing appropriate support and training so staff feel confident teaching about the LGBTQ+ community in RSHE
  • Guidelines to ensure RSHE lessons are tailored and inclusive for LGBTQ+ pupils
  • Embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion beyond the classroom through whole-school celebrations of LGBTQ+ history month
  • Guidance on incorporating LGBTQ+ issues, and people across the curriculum, not just in RSHE
  • Tips on creating mental health and wellbeing support for students who are part of the LGBTQ+ community

  Nick Dunne, Head of Business Development, Brook (CONFIRMED)

• 14.10

  Case Study:  Adopting a Sex-Positive Approach to Teaching RSHE

   Abstract: This final session outlines strategies for enhancing RSHE education. It includes methods for effectively introducing lessons on contraception and safe sex using interactive and inclusive techniques while also emphasising de-stigmatising sex education through personalised one-on-one sessions with specialist teachers. Furthermore, the session covers gradual discussions on safer sex and pornography while additionally facilitating conversations about sexual pleasure to shift attitudes and tackle harmful gender stereotypes.

  • Strategies for ensuring RSHE lessons around contraception and safe sex are engaging and effective
  • Recommendations for de-stigmatising conversations about sex and creating safe spaces for discussions
  • Proactive measures to gradually build discussions about safer sex and pornography
  • Facilitating conversations about pleasure to shift attitudes towards sex and tackle harmful gender stereotypes

  Jo Morgan, Founder and CEO, Engendering Change (CONFIRMED)

• 14.30

  Questions & Answers Session

• 14.50

  Breakout Networking: Overcoming Challenges and Sharing Successes in Improving RSHE Policies and Curriculums

  This session will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the main challenges you face in changing and improving RSHE policies in schools, allowing you to share your experiences and best practice.

• 15.20

  Comfort Break

• 15.50

  Case Study: Working in Partnership with Faith Groups to Create an Inclusive RSHE Curriculum

   Abstract: This session advocates for inclusivity and diversity in RSHE by collaborating with local faith groups to co-produce materials. It underscores the importance of parental input in choosing resources and emphasises delivering RSHE with respect for all faiths and communities. Key tips are provided for ensuring a diverse curriculum that encompasses various cultural and religious perspectives.

  • Co-producing material with local faith groups to ensure a breadth of voices are involved in RSHE lessons
  • Utilising parental consultation to facilitate choice of chosen materials and resources across all schools
  • Emphasising the importance of delivering RSHE in a way which affords dignity and shows respect to all faiths and communities
  • Key tips on ensuring a diverse RSHE curriculum which shows a variety of cultural and religious viewpoints

  Kate Smith, Head of Healthy Lives, London Borough of Tower Hamlets (CONFIRMED)

• 16.10

  Case Study: Best Practice for Establishing Parental Engagement in RSHE

   Abstract: This presentation proposes strategies to increase parental involvement in RSHE, including annual workshops, website support services, and co-produced resources. These initiatives aim to strengthen the partnership between schools and parents, supporting students’ holistic development.

  • Developing an annual workshop so parents and carers can discover more about RSHE education and the resources used
  • Signposting support services on the school website so parents can support the health and wellbeing of their child
  • Co-producing resources with parents and carers so they can continue conversations about RSHE issues at home
  • Ensuring that effort is made to engage parents and carers from religious backgrounds in discussions about relationships and sex education

  Hollie Williams, Head of Philosophy and Ethics, Warriner School (CONFIRMED)

• 16.30

  Questions & Answers Session

• 16.50

  Chair’s Closing Remarks

  *programme subject to change without notice

Who Should Attend?

Delegates who will have an interest in this event will be school leaders from across the education sector.

*This Conference is open to Public, Private and Third Sectors

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

We are now taking bookings for our wide range of sponsorship and exhibition packages; we also offer bespoke packages tailored for your organisation.

Why Sponsor and Exhibit at this event:

✓ Network with key decision makers from across the NHS
✓ Meet your target audience in the sector
✓ Listen and Learn from leading industry experts from across the sector
✓ Opportunity to demonstrate your products or services
✓ Speak alongside industry leading experts
✓ Work with your dedicated account manager to generate the maximum amount of leads

Exhibition and Sponsorship Packages:

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Strategic Headline Sponsor:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Pre show marketing email to all registered delegates
• Post show inclusion on presentation email
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or A4 Chair Drop
• 5 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Speaker Pass

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Key Supporter Package:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or Chair Drop
• 1 Speaker Pass
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes

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Exhibition Stand:

• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Power, Wifi, Table and 2 Chairs (If required)
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Stand Manager Pass

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Insert or Chair Drop:

• 1 Delegate Conference Pass
• A4 insert into delegate pack or A4 Chair Drop

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For more information or to discuss the available option please call 0203 961 5002 or email Sponsorship@GovernmentEvents.co.uk 

• Public Sector Rate incl. GE Insights: £360.00+VAT+VAT
• Voluntary Sector Rate incl. GE Insights:: £330.00+VAT+VAT
• Private Sector Rate incl. GE Insights:: £499.00+VAT+VAT