Social, Personal and Health Education Policy

Scoil an Chro R Naofa osa

RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY EDUCATION (RSE) POLICY

Introduction
The staff, parents and management of Scoil an Chro R Naofa osa have
developed and agreed the following RSE policy in line with current
recommendations and guidelines. While the primary responsibility for RSE lies
with the childs parent(s)/guardian(s), our school accepts its obligation and
responsibility to provide for all the needs of the student body and respond
appropriately to sensitive and emotive issues relating to emerging sexuality, and
to support the work of parents/guardians through the implementation of our
schools RSE Policy.
Aims
When due account is taken of intrinsic abilities and varying circumstances, our
RSE Policy aims to:
to enhance the personal development, wellbeing and self-esteem of each
child.
to enable each child to gain an understanding of and respect for human
love and reproduction in a sensitive and measured way.
to enable each child develop healthy friendships and relationships.
Parental Consent
Parental consent to their childs participation in RSE programmes and activities
is sought at the time of the childs enrolment in our school. In addition, consent
forms are given to parents/guardians in advance of the Sixth class Accord
workshop on relationships, puberty and conception. Parents/guardians have the
right to withhold their children from participating in this one day workshop. A
parent/guardian talk is arranged for the week prior to the workshop giving
parents/guardians the opportunity to meet an Accord facilitator and be guided
through the full content and resources used on the day.
School Provision
The provision of RSE will form part of the overall provision for SPHE in our
school and as such will be age-appropriate and general in its nature to take
account of the childrens physical and emotional development. In Sixth class
Accord will give a special age-appropriate presentation on relationships,
puberty and conception in accordance with our schools SPHE policy.
Boys and girls will be taught together in all classes, with understanding and
sensitivity. Senior pupils will treated in a mature way and encouraged to discuss
issues that arise with their parents/guardians. Circle time will be adopted in

many classes and used to build confidence, and address childrens fears and the
likelihood of embarrassment with regard to issues of a sensitive or personal
nature.
Guidelines for Management
Parents/guardians have the primary responsibility for educating their
children in relationships and sexual matters. The schools RSE
programme will serve as a support to parents/guardians in this regard.
It is envisaged that the programme will be taught in an integrated manner
where possible.
Parent/guardians will be informed in advance of the Accord workshop
and our school will make provision for children not attending the
workshop.
Teacher Choice / Staff Development
If a teacher does not wish to teach or is not comfortable teaching a specific
aspect of the RSE programme to older children, the Principal and Board of
Management of the school will make alternative arrangements. The
Principal/Board of Management will endeavour to support/promote staff
development by:
- utilising the experience of staff members who have extended their
professional development to provide CPD during Croke Park
hours;
- arranging within-school training and professional development
through external sources;
- identifying and accessing available grants and funding from the
Department of Education and Skills (DES);
- circulating information on available courses and opportunities for
personal or professional development; and
- providing financial assistance, depending on availability of funds
from year to year, to defray fees relating to courses and arranging
and/or paying for substitute cover to enable staff members attend
courses.
Policy Success Criteria/ Assessment
It is envisaged that a whole school approach to the implementation of our RSE
Policy will:
provide each child with the knowledge and ability to enhance their
personal development, wellbeing and self-esteem;
provide each child with an understanding of and respect for human love
and reproduction in a sensitive and measured way;

 foster in each child a sense of care and respect for himself/herself;

enable each child to make informed decisions and choices about the
personal dimensions of their life both now and in the future;
increase collaboration between school personnel and ensure greater
consistency throughout the school in relation to RSE;
and enhance parental understanding and involvement in RSE.
The achievement of these success criteria will be assessed through feedback
from teachers, children, parents/guardians, the wider school community,
external agencies/bodies, and analysis of the childrens oral and written work as
well as information from teacher devised checklists and tests.
Roles and Responsibilities
- B.O.M. Ratify school policy and support its implementation.
- Parents/Guardians Develop awareness of the content of the school
policy and support its implementation.
- Principal Oversee the implementation of school policy and support the
children, parents/guardians and staff.
- Teachers Follow school policy and implement accordingly.
- Pupils Co-operate and participate in lessons, activities etc..
- Other staff Be aware of the content of school policy and follow
procedures re. same.
Policy Review and Ratification
Our RSE Policy was formulated by the Principal and staff in consultation with
parents/guardians, and approved by the Board of Management of Scoil an Chro
R Naofa osa. The policy will be reviewed every two years or as required by
the post holders with responsibility for SPHE in our school, Ms. Julie Gillan,
Mrs. Roisn Dooley and Ms. Orla Barry.

Chairperson of the Board of Management______________________________

(Reviewed September 2014 next review due September 2016)