Dear Diocesan offices, Church Representatives, Head Teachers,
***Immediate action requested: respond to Scottish Government consultation on new RSHP Guidance. Please forward to all parishes, staff, parent councils, interested members of community***
You will recall from the SCES newsletter in August that we highlighted the current consultation regarding a revision to the 2014 Guidance on RSHP (relationships, Sexual Health and Parenting). 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.
The Bishops’ Conference has today made the following statement:
“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.”
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 23rd November and we are asking for your help in achieving this. I have attached 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read the revised document here: Delivery of relationships, sexual health and parenthood education in Scottish schools: draft guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)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:
- Follow this link and complete the consultation on line using the skeleton responses in the attached WORD document. (see links below)
- 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. (see links below)
- 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 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 23rd November. We therefore recommend posting by Monday 20th***
With grateful thanks for your support,
Barbara Coupar
Director
Scottish Catholic Education Service
75 Craigpark, Glasgow G31 2HD
T :0141 556 4727 F: 0141 551 8467
Web: sces.org.uk
Attachments:
Item 1) Briefing paper and background information
Item 2) Skeleton answers to all 12 questions – cut and paste answers (and amend to your own wording) in on line consultation OR print and post
Item 3) Response to Question 1& 6 only - cut and paste answer (and amend to your own wording) in on line consultation OR print and post