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RSHE: how to proactively engage with parents and carers

Learn how to inform, involve and engage families when it comes to your RSHE curriculum and policy, so that they feel up to date and included, and you are compliant with the September 2026 guidance.

Last reviewed on 15 August 2026
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 52671
Contents
  1. You must 'proactively engage and consult' parents and carers
  2. Build trust early on
  3. Focus on engaging all families in your community
  4. Make sure your comms are clear and empathetic
  5. Frame RSHE as part of your shared core values
  6. Normalise talking about RSHE as part of school life
  7. Consider running ‘engagement forums’ with parents and carers
  8. Be transparent: make RSHE curriculum materials available to all parents/carers

You must 'proactively engage and consult' parents and carers

The DfE’s Relations and sex education, and health education (RSHE) guidance comes into force on 1 September 2026. This article sets out the full requirements.

Under the RSHE guidance, you:

  • Must proactively engage and consult with parents/carers when developing and reviewing your RSE policy (paragraphs 12 and 55)
  • Must make sure parents/carers understand that effective RSHE is important for promoting and protecting children’s wellbeing (paragraph 12)
  • Should proactively engage with parents/carers to make them aware of what you’re teaching in RSHE lessons (paragraph 55) and allow them to see all your RSHE curriculum materials if they ask to (paragraph 56)

What does 'proactively engage' actually mean?

This can include these actions, which