Personal, social, health and economic education needs improvement
'Not yet good enough evaluates' strengths and weaknesses of PSHE education and makes recommendations on how the subject can be taught well.
The report, which was based on evidence from 50 maintained schools and an online survey of 178 young people, found PSHE education was good or better in 60 per cent of schools but required improvement or was inadequate in 40 per cent.
The ‘Not yet good enough’ report highlights that the weakest aspects of teaching PSHE are the assessment of how well pupils have understood what they are taught and planning for new work. In too many schools, teachers did not check or build on pupils’ previous knowledge, which resulted in them repeating topics. Teachers also had low expectations of the quality of work done by pupils.
In primary schools, the report says, too much emphasis is placed on friendships and relationships when teaching sex and relationships education and this can leave pupils ill-prepared for the physical and emotional changes of puberty. In secondary schools, too much emphasis is placed on the ‘mechanics’ of reproduction rather than on the importance of healthy sexual relationships.
The report also shares several examples of good practice.
The report is published on the Ofsted website and was based on evidence from the inspections of 24 primary schools, 24 secondary schools and two special schools across all English regions between January and July 2012.
Notes to editors
-
The report ‘Personal, social, health and economic education in schools: not yet good enough’ is online.
-
The findings of this report are based on evidence from the inspections of 24 primary schools, 24 secondary schools and two special schools across all English regions between January and July 2012.
-
The findings are supported by a ‘Your Say’ online survey conducted on behalf of Ofsted by Ipsos Mori during October and November 2012 of children and young people’s experiences and opinions of PSHE education. The ‘Your Say’ Children and Young People’s Panel received 178 responses from 11–18-year-olds in state schools and colleges across England.
-
The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.
Media enquiries
Clive House
70 Petty France
London
SW1H 9EX
Email pressenquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 0300 013 0415
Out of hours duty press officer 07919 057 359