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Lessons on sex 'to be compulsory' Lessons on sex 'to be compulsory'
(20 minutes later)
The government is expected to announce later that sex and relationship lessons will be made compulsory in primary and secondary schools in England.The government is expected to announce later that sex and relationship lessons will be made compulsory in primary and secondary schools in England.
A review was ordered after ministers branded teaching on the issue "patchy".A review was ordered after ministers branded teaching on the issue "patchy".
Currently, it is only compulsory to teach children about the biology of reproduction and changing bodies.Currently, it is only compulsory to teach children about the biology of reproduction and changing bodies.
A BBC poll of more than 1,000 people found that 87% would support a change in approach, as long as teaching did not begin at too young an age.A BBC poll of more than 1,000 people found that 87% would support a change in approach, as long as teaching did not begin at too young an age.
It is not yet clear exactly what will be taught to each year group, but some reports suggest five-year-olds could receive some level of sex education.It is not yet clear exactly what will be taught to each year group, but some reports suggest five-year-olds could receive some level of sex education.
The government's review - due at 0930 BST - is being published at the same time as one on drugs education in schools.The government's review - due at 0930 BST - is being published at the same time as one on drugs education in schools.
The inquiries were announced in December last year as part of the Children's Plan.The inquiries were announced in December last year as part of the Children's Plan.
The government has said it recognises that sexual experimentation in early adolescence can expose young people to risks.The government has said it recognises that sexual experimentation in early adolescence can expose young people to risks.
Young people were in danger of making ill-informed choices which could put their health and future at stake, officials said.Young people were in danger of making ill-informed choices which could put their health and future at stake, officials said.
ConsultationConsultation
The sex education teaching requirements placed on schools at present are limited.The sex education teaching requirements placed on schools at present are limited.
In primary schools, sex education is covered as part of the science curriculum.In primary schools, sex education is covered as part of the science curriculum.
This tells children about the main body parts and explains that reproduction is one of the life processes common to all animals including humans. BBC/NOP POLL 87% say sex and relationship lessons should be compulsory 36% say no lessons on contraception before 13This tells children about the main body parts and explains that reproduction is one of the life processes common to all animals including humans. BBC/NOP POLL 87% say sex and relationship lessons should be compulsory 36% say no lessons on contraception before 13
In secondary school, again mainly through science lessons, children cover the human reproductive cycle, including adolescence, fertilisation and foetal development.In secondary school, again mainly through science lessons, children cover the human reproductive cycle, including adolescence, fertilisation and foetal development.
They may also learn - though there is no statutory requirement that they should - about relationship skills, rights and responsibilities and different types of relationships.They may also learn - though there is no statutory requirement that they should - about relationship skills, rights and responsibilities and different types of relationships.
Sexual activity, human reproduction, contraception, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and risky behaviours are all optional elements.Sexual activity, human reproduction, contraception, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and risky behaviours are all optional elements.
Schools are meant to consult with parents about what is taught.Schools are meant to consult with parents about what is taught.
ContraceptionContraception
Last week, Schools Minister Jim Knight, who has led the review, told MPs he had received "strong recommendations" for making sex education compulsory.Last week, Schools Minister Jim Knight, who has led the review, told MPs he had received "strong recommendations" for making sex education compulsory.
But he said any new approach to teaching had to be done without "sexualising young people too early".But he said any new approach to teaching had to be done without "sexualising young people too early".
A UK-wide poll commissioned by the BBC from NOP found that the majority of those questioned believed sex and relationship lessons should be compulsory in schools.A UK-wide poll commissioned by the BBC from NOP found that the majority of those questioned believed sex and relationship lessons should be compulsory in schools.
Of those, 64% believed lessons should not start until children are at least 11 years old.Of those, 64% believed lessons should not start until children are at least 11 years old.
Just over a third (36%) said they did not think children should learn about contraception until they were at least 13.Just over a third (36%) said they did not think children should learn about contraception until they were at least 13.
Earlier this year, figures were released showing that the number of abortions performed in the UK on girls under 16 had risen by 10% in 2007.Earlier this year, figures were released showing that the number of abortions performed in the UK on girls under 16 had risen by 10% in 2007.