SRE reforms driven by UKYP
Following the UK Youth Parliament SRE campaign and survey of over 20,000 young people, the Government announced a range of reforms, including making PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) a compulsory part of the curriculum for 5 to 16 year-olds. The new school curriculum will include consistent sex and relationships education for all young people.
The Government report says;
"It is impossible for us to ignore the findings from the UK Youth Parliament's report on SRE, which showed that a very significant number of young people felt their SRE had not given them the knowledge and skills they need. It is important, therefore, that young people's views are given proper consideration alongside those of parents, governors and school staff."
Katrina Mather, South East PG commented;
"Today's announcement from the government on SRE is something we should be extremely proud about, everyone has worked so hard on this campaign to make it a success, now the hard work has all paid off. It's amazing that professionals have spent 25 years campaigning for compulsory sex education, yet we have come along and in a year achieved what professionals have been working towards for decades. Now we can truly say we are "making our mark" and getting young peoples' voices to the top of the political agenda!"
Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive of the UK Youth Parliament said; "This is a historic day for the UK Youth Parliament and MYPs everywhere. The Government could not have been clearer about the pivotal campaigning role UKYP played in this review of provision, which will have a major positive effect on the lives of millions of young people for many years to come..
It's the best possible celebration of what we're all about - creative campaigning, led by young people, built on strong partnerships and drawing on staff and Local Authority youth worker support when needed. My thanks and congratulations go to absolutely everyone who has made this success possible. In particular, MYPs everywhere should feel really proud of what they have achieved."
Liz Harding from the North West Regional Youth Work Unit said "The government's decision to listen to young people and ensure good quality sex and relationships education is a huge step forward and one that is supported by young people throughout the country. Young people have been the driving force behind this decision today and must continue to be fully involved in every aspect of designing the new curriculum."