By Becky Morton & Alice Evans
BBC News
Schools in England will be banned from teaching sex education to children under nine, in new government guidance expected to be published on Thursday.
The BBC has not seen the new guidelines but a government source said they also included plans to ban any children being taught about gender identity.
Head teachers have said there is no evidence of a widespread problem with age-inappropriate materials.
One union has said the review is “politically motivated”.
The statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) – which schools must follow by law – is currently under review.
The government believes clearer guidance will provide support for teachers and reassurance for parents, and will set out which topics should be taught to pupils at what age.
‘Rigid limits’
But Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “If what has been leaked is accurate, the government must provide the evidence which unequivocally shows that such age limits will improve the support, protection and safeguarding of children and young people.”
Many children already accessed information from outside of school, which might lead to teachers being asked about sensitive topics, he said.
“It is hard to see how rigid limits on what can be discussed and when would be in the best interests of young people – and this may even risk them seeking information from less reliable sources,” Mr Whiteman said.
The NAHT has previously said the review is “politically motivated” and there is no evidence to suggest a widespread problem of inappropriate content being taught.
Suffolk Primary Headteachers’ Association director Rebecca Leek said the government’s proposals would not make “that much difference”.
Sex education was not typically taught until Year 6 anyway – when children turn 10 – and “parents already have a right to withdraw” their child, she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
What are the current RSHE rules?
Relationships education has been compulsory for primary schools since September 2020.
Children are taught about healthy, respectful relationships, focusing on fami
