Primary schools should either have a policy statement that describes the SRE provided or give a statement of the decision not to provide SRE other than that provided within the National Curriculum.

Secondary schools are required to provide SRE which includes (as a minimum) information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. SRE Guidance from the DfES is supported in legislation by the Learning and Skills Act (2000) which requires that:

* Young people learn about the nature of marriage and it's importance for family life and the bringing up of children
* Young people are protected from teaching and materials which are inappropriate, having regard to the age and the religious and cultural background of the pupils concerned
* School governing bodies have regard for the guidance
* Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the non-statutory elements of SRE.