PM confirms sex education review brought forward after claims children taught ‘graphic and inaccurate’ content

A review of sex education in schools is being fast-tracked by government following claims children are being taught "graphic and inaccurate"content, the Prime Minister has confirmed.

Rishi Sunak said he has asked the Department for Education (DfE) to review materials being taught in schools and "ensure" they do not contain "inappropriate or contested" lessons.

Tory MP Miriam Cates claimed students in the UK were being subjected to relationship and sex education education (RSHE) that is "age inappropriate, extreme, sexualising and inaccurate".

The MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, told the Commons: "Graphic lessons on oral sex, how to choke your partner safely and 72 genders.

"This is what passes for relationships and sex education in British schools.

"Children are being subjected to lessons that are age inappropriate, extreme, sexualising and inaccurate, often using resources from unregulated organisations that are actively campaigning to undermine parents."

She branded it a "safeguarding scandal" and asked Mr Sunak to commit to ending "inappropriate sex education by commissioning an independent inquiry into the nature and extent of this".

The PM replied that the DfE had been told to "ensure that schools are not teaching inappropriate or contested content in RSHE".

Mr Sunak added: "Our priority should always be the safety and well-being of children and schools should also make curriculum content and materials available to parents.

"As a result of all of this, we are bringing forward a review of RSHE statutory guidance and we will start our consultation as soon as possible."

Sex and relationships guidance was last updated in September 2020. It is reviewed every three years.