Legislation passed by the Secretary of State requires that Northern Ireland schools teach age-appropriate and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, at Key Stages 3 and 4 only.

The legislation also requires the Department of Education to bring forward regulations in respect of the parental right to have their child excused from receiving that age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.

The Department of Education has launched a consultation which focuses on the circumstances and arrangements which would enable a parent/carer to exercise that right.

The consultation will run from 1 September until 24 November 2023.

Your response can be made:

Online at Citizen Space at https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/de/rse-consultation

The Consultation Booklet is also available to download from Consultations | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk) and can be emailed directly to the Department at rseresponses@education-ni.gov.uk or posted to

Curriculum Team

Room S1

Rathgael House

Balloo Road, Rathgill

Bangor

BT19 7PR