The Conservative Party is calling for new rights to allow parents full access to the materials being taught to their children in schools. This move comes after revelations that some 13-year-olds have been taught that there are 100 genders, and some primary school students have been exposed to inappropriate content, including lessons on masturbation.
As part of this campaign, the Tories, led by Kemi Badenoch, are planning to introduce an amendment to Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This amendment aims to enhance transparency by granting parents and carers the right to view all teaching materials, including those provided by external organizations. The only exemption would apply in cases of commercial confidentiality.
In response to growing concerns about the content of sex education lessons, the amendment seeks to build on the government’s 2023 pledge to ban sex education for children under the age of nine. Labour has not yet matched this commitment.
Concerns over inappropriate content in schools have been growing. A 2023 investigation by Miriam Cates, a former Conservative MP and biology teacher, uncovered widespread use of materials deemed unsuitable for young students. These findings prompted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government to launch a review of classroom content, including claims that children were being taught about oral sex and methods of choking safely during sexual activity.
Neil O’Brien, a shadow education minister, stated, “It shouldn’t be controversial for parents to know what their children are being taught in schools. Yet, in some cases, young children have been subjected to divisive gender ideology, and parents have been denied access to teaching materials. This is deeply concerning.”
Although Bridget Phillipson, the current Education Secretary, has expressed support for the principle of parental access to sex education materials, she has stated there are no plans to amend existing laws. Phillipson has also opposed allowing parents to withdraw their children from sex education classes, arguing that all students should receive comprehensive relationship, sex, and health education (RSHE).
RSHE became mandatory in 2019 with cross-party support. However, Gillian Keegan, Phillipson’s predecessor, had previously proposed ensuring that sex education lessons are rooted in scientific fact rather than gender ideology. These proposals were shelved following last year’s snap general election.
The Conservative amendment is unlikely to pass due to Labour’s parliamentary majority. However, it is expected to increase pressure on the government to address parental concerns about transparency and the influence of third-party organizations in schools. Critics of the current system argue that a lack of oversight has allowed controversial ideologies to infiltrate classrooms.
A government spokesperson accused the Conservatives of political grandstanding, stating, “While the Tories are making noise, we’ve been actively engaging parents in our curriculum review to ensure all children receive a knowledge-rich education that prepares them for life and work.”
As the debate intensifies, the proposed measures reflect a growing push for balance between inclusive education and ensuring that parents retain oversight of what their children are being taught in schools.
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