Responding to a new Estyn report which found that Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools helps pupils feel safe and respected, but provision is not yet consistent, Laura Doel, national secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“We welcome the spotlight Estyn has shone on RSE in Wales, including both the examples of really positive practice and areas for improvement.

“One of the issues is that many schools are left to develop their own practice and programmes due to a lack of funding and investment in effective professional learning or collaborative work for local clusters of primary and secondary schools.

“At a time when schools are facing unprecedented financial shortfalls, it feels as though areas like this in the school curriculum have not been prioritised, and we urge the new Welsh Government to put this right.”