LGBT+ Inclusive Relations Education

Jennette Arnold OBE AM moved and Dr Onkar Sahota AM seconded the following motion, which was agreed by 15 votes in favour and 1 vote against.

“This Assembly welcomes the introduction of compulsory LGBT+ inclusive relationships education in schools from September this year, following a partial rollout of non-compulsory Relationships/Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) from September 2019. Groups such as Stonewall, the Catholic Education Service, Terrence Higgins Trust, the NSPCC and the End Violence Against Women Coalition have campaigned for and supported this move, which will see age-appropriate teaching of relationships education, including same-sex relationships, in primary school, and healthy relationships and sex education for older children, including LGBT+ issues.

This Assembly notes evidence from Stonewall showing that, nearly 20 years after the repeal of Section 28, just one in six LGBT+ young people have been taught about healthy same-sex relationships, but that in schools that teach about LGBT+ issues, LGBT+ young people are more likely to feel welcomed, included and accepted. Children and young people of all genders and sexualities should be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy, informed decisions. This Assembly notes and welcomes the Mayor’s previously stated support for schools teaching LGBT+ education, but believes that he should do more to ensure that schools are fully prepared for this transition. Research by the National Education Union (NEU) and NSPCC showed that half of teachers said they lack confidence to teach compulsory RSE.

We are concerned this could undermine the effectiveness of this important element of the curriculum. The Local Government Association (LGA) has also stated that local authorities and schools should work together with local communities to support a smooth and inclusive rollout of the programme. Given the extent of cuts to local authority and schools funding across London, and the importance for London’s LGBT+ young people that RSE is introduced quickly and effectively, this Assembly therefore calls on the Mayor to provide strategic support across London. Through his education programmes, such as Schools for Success and the London Curriculum, as well as by engaging directly with the Department for Education (DfE), Boroughs and Regional Schools Commissioners, the Mayor is well placed to share best practice and deliver tailored support on a pan-London basis.”