Sex Ed at school

[MulaD]

A little bit perplexed at the school sex education; 9 year old, year 5. Checked curriculum and it was puberty, body changes etc. But daughter has had a lesson that included masturbation explained as when you touch yourself and it feels nice. Wet dreams, an animation of an erection and told the penis goes into the vagina and releases sperm to make the baby. I consider this fairly inappropriate at this age. I understand the world has changed since I was that age, but is this really the way at 9 years old? I'm ok with the penis into the vagina although I thought this was for year 6 but masturbation and wet dreams at 9 years old. Am I being ridiculous or is it necessary?

Thinking back, I think we were shown an animated video that explained wet dreams when I was in primary school. Would have been the same age.

Nothing wrong with it imo. Children will be exploring, which is completely natural, and need to know the difference between that and abuse from others.

I personally think it's great and i would hope it meant they might come to me and ask questions. Some kids will be going through puberty at that age or only in a year or two it's better they know before what's normal than worry at the time that they're not.

Some girls in year 5/6 start their periods. They need to be aware of all the things you state. Otherwise they'll just hear it from kids with older siblings. Better to be correctly informed

Their RSE policy will be on their website.
They will cover what is needed for that age and those children.
If you are not happy book in to have a conversation with the Head so you know what to expect next.

That's the BBC Active CDROM - it's been around for years and it's fine to use with Y5. Would you prefer children to find out by accident or wildly inaccurate playground gossip?! They need to know these things are normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

I thought penis in vagina was year 6 mostly, but yes masturbation and wet dreams are on the year 5 curriculum. They need to be taught at this age because some children start experiencing the effects of hormonal changes resulting in wet dreams and or exploring and touching themselves.
If we don't teach children fairly early that it is fine and normal but needs to be done in private then you end up with children feeling guilty and ashamed because they think they're not "normal"
Or some children will end up "fiddling" in public which will need a sensitive discussion.
I teach sex education throughout our school and feel quite strongly that children need to be educated in a clear, non embarrassed way rather than leaving them to wonder and gossip amongst themselves.

No, it’s in the Y5 Science curriculum - it’s not in Y6 at all. Makes sense then to teach the SRE alongside that.