Context
Relationships and sex education (RSE) is about the emotional, social and cultural development of children and young people and involves learning about relationships, sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity. Delivery of education around positive relationships is consistent with Woodcraft Folk’s aims & principles, specifically the commitment to:
- Inclusion
- Education for Social Change
- Rights of the Child
Principles
All RSE activity delivered will:
- Be age and developmentally appropriate and led by the group’s needs (see suggestions below about themes/topics broadly linked to Woodcraft Folk’s core age groups)
- Be open and inclusive of all children and young people, recognising young people of different gender identities, sexual orientations, faiths, cultural and family backgrounds and those with physical or learning disabilities
- Celebrate diversity and explore international and cultural differences
- Actively seek to challenge discrimination, bullying, stigma and stereotypes
In a Woodcraft Folk setting, RSE will typically involve workshops/discussions on:
- Relationships, families, gender identify & sexuality
- Exploring consent, self and mutual respect
- Personal safety
- Personal and sexual health
- Sharing concerns and seeking help
Principles
All relationship and sex education activity will be delivered within the following principles:
- Will be age and developmentally appropriate and led by the group’s needs
- Open and inclusive of all children and young people, recognising young people of different gender identities, sexual orientations, faiths, cultural and family backgrounds and those with physical or learning disabilities
- Should celebrate diversity and explore international and cultural differences
- Challenge bullying, stigma and stereotypes
Communication with Parents/Carers
As with any activity, it is good practice to ensure parents are informed about the group’s programme so that any queries or concerns can be addressed before the activity takes place.
Conversations about relationships, gender identity, sexuality and related themes may occur organically within a group setting, with leaders/volunteers responding to the needs or questions of group members. When this occurs outside of planned relationship and sex education sessions group leaders it is good practice to inform parents/carers that such discussions have taken place. This is particularly relevant if conversations involved the whole group and took up a substantial amount of group time.
At large camps (e.g Venturer Camp, International Camps) it will not be practical to inform parents of the details of every planned activity and workshop. Woodcraft Folk will therefore seek to obtain parent/carer consent for RSE activities participants aged 13-17 as part of the booking process.