New research on behalf of the Family Stability Network (FASTN) to coincide with RSE day has found that both parents and teachers agree that schools have an important role to play in helping children understand and be prepared for relationships with family and friends, relationships at the workplace and sexual relationships. 

Over 90% of teachers surveyed believed that it was very or quite important that schools help children understand these relationships. There were similarly high percentages among the parents that were questioned –  93% said it was important for schools to help children understand friendships, 92% for family relationships, 88% for workplace relationships and 85% for sexual relationships.

The research also found a lack of awareness among parents of relationships and sexual education (RSE) provision. Only 35% of those questioned were aware of the new Relationships Education curriculum being introduced into primary schools in England and 45% had heard of the new Relationships and Sex Education curriculum being introduced into English secondary schools. 

The majority of parents (69%) felt confident discussing RSE with their child’s teacher while three quarters (74%) of teachers felt the same for discussing with parents or carers. 

Survation polled 507 teachers currently teaching in a primary or secondary school in the UK online. Fieldwork was conducted between the 4th and 10th June 2019. 

Survation also polled 1015 parents of children currently in a primary or secondary school in the UK online. Fieldwork was conducted between the 3rd and 11th June 2019. 

Data tables and methodology for the teachers poll can be found here.

Data tables and methodology for the parents poll can be found here.

Survation is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

To learn more about Survation’s polling capabilities or to commission a poll, contact Harry Mason or John Gibb on 020 3818 9661 or email researchteam@survation.com.

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