Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the effectiveness of personal, social, health and economic education in delivering public health messages.

Relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) became statutory in September 2020 and health education is compulsory for all pupils in state funded schools. It covers a number of public health topics, including healthy eating, the importance of exercise and teaching children about how to look after their mental health.

The Department has contracted with IFF Research to undertake quantitative and qualitative research into the quality of implementation, including teacher confidence in teaching the statutory requirements.

The findings from this research will inform the review of the RSHE statutory guidance which is underway, and will consider what improvements might need to be made. The Department anticipates that the final report from IFF Research will be published in early 2024. Details of the IFF Research contract can be found here: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/0cc4d6b1-d266-459e-aaee-f5e22e4ad4c6.