Agenda item

This report highlights the Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) provision within the Council and the results of the latest Schools Health Education Unit (SHEU) survey.

The PSHE & Drug Education Consultant introduced this item to the Panel. She introduced Viv Crouch, School Nurse, who informed them that B&NES has extensive experience in developing and delivering evidence based sexual health education/prevention for young people.

She added that key to this was the Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) CPD Accredited Training Programme for Teachers, Nurses and Other Professional which is designed to ensure quality PSHE provision in Sexual Health, Drug & Alcohol Education, Emotional Health and Well-Being as well as to improve local partnership work. She said that to date 200 participants had completed the course which had been a programme of generic PSHE skills / standards plus an area of specific focus, which for most participants has been Sex and Relationships Education (SRE).

The PSHE & Drug Education Consultant reported that the outcomes of the recent SHEU survey were good in comparison to national figures and that a regional analysis was currently underway. She then highlighted some of the positives from the survey and areas of concern.

Positives: Primary

• Feeling fit & physical activity
• Cycle Safety
• Alcohol / Smoking (Year 6)

Of concern: Primary

• Anxiety levels / worrying
• Self esteem
• Perceptions of bullying
• E-safety

Positives: Secondary

• Having breakfast
• Dental Care
• Alcohol / Smoking

Secondary: Of concern

• Worrying
• Self esteem
• Fewer enjoying school / wanting to stay in full time education
• Perceptions of bullying

She said that work in relation to the outcomes of children in receipt of Free School Meals was on-going.

She stated that one of the actions following the survey was to attempt to decrease bullying and the perception of bullying within Secondary Schools.

She reported that there had been a 40% reduction in teenage pregnancies through partnership working and that an enhanced sexual health service was now run at 5 – 6 schools and 3 youth centres. She added that a training programme had also been developed to help parents talk to their children regarding these matters.

Councillor Sarah Bevan commented that she was concerned by the figures relating to the perception of being bullied.

The PSHE & Drug Education Consultant replied that this was pupils responding to say that they were afraid of being bullied / attending school. She added that focus groups had been suggested to be set up at schools amongst other work.

Councillor Sarah Bevan commented that she had noticed signage within the toilets of Bath College relating to female genital mutilation and asked if officers were addressing this issue also.

The School Nurse replied that work had been carried out with students on this matter. She added that she was aware that in Bristol 20 – 30 correction procedures were taking place a month.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked if an increase in violence in relationships had been seen.

The PSHE & Drug Education Consultant replied that there had been a noted increase in sexual bullying which include verbal abuse and inappropriate touching.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that she was concerned in the huge gap between pupils that receive Free School Meals and other pupils. She asked if the Pupil Premium was being used to give a benefit to the pupil as a whole, not just academically.

The PSHE & Drug Education Consultant replied that they were looking at creative / evidence based use of the premium.

The People & Communities Strategic Director added that schools were being asked to think broadly about how they use it to create better outcomes for individuals.

The Chair thanked them for the report on behalf of the Panel.