Will the Minister outline what communication his department has had with religious groups about the lack of an opt-out for relationships and sexuality education?
The Curriculum for Wales requirements for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) have been the subject of full and wide-ranging consultation since 2018, including the Curriculum for Wales White Paper, giving all citizens and faith groups the opportunity to respond. Alongside the consultation in 2019 on ‘access to the full curriculum’, we commissioned engagement events with Faith / Black, Asian Minority Ethnic Community groups. In January 2020 a Faith / Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Community Involvement Group was established to input into the development of the RSE Code and Statutory guidance, and to develop a shared understanding of the new curriculum. Officials continue to meet with representatives of faith groups about matters relating to RSE.