“The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is both disappointed and confused at the decision by the Scottish Government to delete all reference to Catholic schools in its: Guidance on the Delivery of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) Education in Scottish Schools” document.  We strongly request the re-insertion of the paragraphs relating to Denominational Education from the previous iteration of the guidance, which would reflect both the legal protection for schools with a Religious Character, and the previously supportive position of Scottish Government for Catholic schools.”

SCES is urging all members of the Catholic Education Community to respond to the Scottish Government Consultation on Guidance on the Teaching of Relationships Sexual Health and Parenting, due to close on November 23rd 2023.

There are several areas of this guidance that raise significant questions, in particular the fact that the paragraphs dedicated to Denominational Education have been removed.

It is vitally important that the Catholic Education Community has a strong and united voice in responding to this consultation, requesting the same action as the Bishops, so as to ensure that our sector is represented and our views heard.

A voluminous response to this consultation by the Catholic Education community is necessary before the closing date of the 23^rd November and we are asking for your help in achieving this.

We have prepared 3 papers to assist in responding, and would ask that you read, circulate and encourage as many individual responses as possible from your parish and school community, including parents, staff and your wider partners.

HOW TO RESPOND:

You can read the revised document here: Delivery of relationships, sexual health and parenthood education in Scottish schools: draft guidance – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

THEN

TO RESPOND ONLINE:

• Click here

• and complete the consultation on line using the skeleton responses in the WORD document below. (download here)

• You can cut and paste these, changing any of the content to best suit your individual response.

• Note you do NOT need to answer every question.  However, Questions 1 and 6 are vital.

• You MUST complete the RESPONDENT INFORMATION FORM.

OR

TO RESPOND BY POST:

• Open the letter template attached.

• Change any content by typing on the Word document – including your name and address.

• Note you do NOT need to answer every question.  However, Questions 1 and 6 are vital.

• Print your final document.

• Please note that you MUST print and complete the first page the RESPONDENT INFORMATION FORM and include this with any posted responses.

• Post responses to:

RSHP Teaching Guidance Consultation

Area 2B North

Victoria Quay

EDINBURGH

EH6 6QQ

***Posted responses must reach Scottish Government by 23^rd November.  We therefore recommend posting by Monday 20^th***

Key response to consultation

The Scottish Catholic Education Service, on behalf of the Catholic Education Community, strongly request the re-insertion of the paragraphs relating to Denominational Education from the previous iteration of the guidance.

This will reflect both the legal protection for schools with a Religious Character, and the supportive position of Scottish Government for Catholic schools in being enabled to witness to their faith and tradition.