2 Amendment of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
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.”

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3 After Article 10 insert—

“10A Relationships and Sexuality Education
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.”

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