The Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Amendment of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

2.—(1) The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 is amended as follows.

(2) After Article 5(1) insert—

“(1A) The curriculum for every grant-aided school shall, in relation to key stages 3 and 4, include age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.”.

(3) After Article 10 insert—

“Relationships and Sexuality Education

10A.— (1) The Department must, by 1st January 2024, issue guidance on the content and delivery of the education required to be provided by virtue of Article 5(1A).

(2) The guidance must be issued with a view to ensuring that—

(a) pupils receive education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion; and

(b) the education received by pupils is age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate.

(3) In exercising their functions as respects the school, the Board of Governors and principal of every grant-aided school must have regard to guidance issued under paragraph (1).

(4) The Department may at any time revise its guidance under paragraph (1).

(5) The Department must by regulations make provision about the circumstances in which, at the request of a parent, a pupil may be excused from receiving the education required to be provided by virtue of Article 5(1A), or specified elements of that education.

(6) Before making regulations under paragraph (5), the Department must consult such persons as the Department considers appropriate.”.