Do private schools need to comply with the DofE RSE Guidance?

[sultanasofa]

I'm getting in touch with local schools to make sure their RSE policy is in line with the new DofE guidance. Is there a need to contact private schools too? I'm never sure what they do and don't have to comply with.

Thanks!

Hmm, just found this in the guidance. Doesn't quite answer my question though.

'The Independent School Standards, which apply to all independent schools (and most of which apply to academies) have similar provisions relating to the promotion of partisan political views and offering a balanced presentation of opposing views'

www.gov.uk/guidance/plan-your-relationships-sex-and-health-curriculum#using-external-agencies

Also could anyone point me to where the list of 'not recommended' external agencies are? I have a list, but can't find it in the guidance.

The PSHE coordinators at my local council recommended an external agency around a year ago that I have my misgivings about. I don't see it on the 'banned' list that I've been forwarded, but it's possible that list is incomplete. I'd like to make sure that my council no longer recommends them!

Thanks again!

I’m glad you’re doing that, Sultana. I’m appalled at the dishonest and dangerous propaganda that schools have allowed in the past few years. Best of luck in this.

My dd is about to have a pshe lesson including "appropriate language" and "how to address people without offending them". Private school

Yes, they do.

Thank you, and especially to RoyalCorgi! I knew someone would know. I'll get emailing.

One thing that's useful to remember about government guidance is that if it's statutory, ie backed up with specific legislation, then schools must follow it.
Some aspects of the new SRE guidance are based on existing statute.
Schools must offer balance in terms of political views and not allowing just one side of argument. That's been statutory for ages.
All the trans guidelines telling schools they can transition children without telling parents - these breach statutory safeguarding "Working Together' guidelines. Schools can't opt out of them (no matter how much trans lobbyists would like them to do).
IHowever, if a school doesn't follow non statutory guidance, then when challenged (Ofsted, parents, complaining students etc) it must be able to demonstrate that their alternative is as good or better than the government guidance. If they can't they'll be subject to challenge / Ofsted criticism etc. So if they continue to invite in queer theory groups who teach gendered stereoptypes to children and perpetuate myths like "girls have penises and boys get periods' alongside playing the Proud Trust's dice game with year 9 students, then they would have to demonstrate why this is better than the "age appropriate, evidence based" curriculum demanded by the SRE guidelines.
Sorry that's a bit long but hope it makes sense?

It would be worthwhile asking schools for a list of all the books they have in the library or use in school that relate to transgender issues.

I would guess that most or all of them have references to being born in the wrong body or liking boys'/girls' clothes or toys. If that's the case, the schools should remove these books to comply with this guidance.

There's been a burgeoning genre of fictional books for kids dealing with trans story lines. Every one I've seen has been awful and steeped in stereotypes.