Dear Parent/Carer
SECOND LEVEL RELATIONSHIPS, SEXUAL HEALTH and PARENTHOOD
There have been many positive changes in Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) practice in recent
years. Evaluations have shown that there is much about RSHP that children and young people like and enjoy in
relation to their learning within RSHP at school.
However, learners also identified shortfalls in key areas such as the breadth of topics, relevance to the pressures
they face in current-day relationships and a sense that RSHP is often not a ‘real’ subject, that it is occasionally tagged
on, or given low priority.
This meant there was a need to reflect on how learners needs are met in an everchanging context, whether this is in
terms of concerns we may have for children and young people, negative experiences of social media or partner
violence – or positive cultural shifts, including increased awareness of the rights of learners with disabilities or LGBT
young people.
Our local authority is committed to the provision of quality teaching in Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood
education in accordance with National Guidelines. It forms a key element of personal, social and health education in
schools and is an important part of children’s preparations for adult life. The purpose of RSHP is to provide the
learners with an understanding of how to maintain positive relationships. In addition, pupils are encouraged to
consider how thoughts, feelings, attitudes, values and beliefs can influence decisions about relationships.
Lainshaw Primary School
& Early Childhood Centre
Head Teacher: Mr Jason Johnstone
Email: jason.johnstone@eastayrshire.org.uk
Taking into account the age and stage of children and young people, it is important to use a common vocabulary to
describe our emotions, feelings and body parts. The suggested vocabulary staff will encourage second level children
to use is shown below:
Yours sincerely,
Mr Johnstone
Head Teacher
