The guidance helps schools formulate a vision and translate it into policy. The guidance consists of two parts:

  • The first part provides information about vision, the Healthy School and its four pillars, the context of social safety, policy and engagement with parents.
  • The second part is a working document containing tips and tools for developing a vision and policy on structural relationship and sexuality education and sexual integrity.

The first part contains references to the working document so that schools can get started with it immediately. The policy plan is suitable for all schools.

Questions for developing a vision

The guidance contains examples of useful questions for developing a vision:

  • What does the school want to teach students about relationships and sexuality?
  • How do we, as a team, view this topic?
  • Which (sexual) behaviour do we consider unacceptable, and which behaviour do we want to promote?
  • How do we actively involve the students? (student participation)
  • What can the role of the school and the parents be in this?
  • How do the themes of relationships and sexuality fit within the school's broader vision or identity?
  • When will the vision and its corresponding policy be evaluated?

Working document

Schools can use the working document as a guide to shape their vision and policy regarding relationships and sexuality. It contains all the components that should be addressed in a complete policy plan. If the following requirements are met, both in writing and in practice, this can be considered complete structural relationship and sexuality education. This makes it possible to apply for the Healthy Relationships & Sexuality theme certificate of the Healthy School quality mark.

There are six steps:

  • Step 1. Develop a vision
  • Step 2. Implement education and policy
    • Education
    • Training
    • Informing parents
  • Step 3. Identify signs
    • Periodic assessment
    • Addressing the results
    • Staff trained in identifying signs (the Flag System)
    • Support structure
    • Informing parents and students about the confidential adviser
  • Step 4. Physical and social environment
    • Design of the physical and social environment
    • Leading by example
    • Support from external parties (social services directory)
  • Step 5. School policy
    • Recording policy
    • Informing parents
    • Code of conduct and rules
    • Enforcement
  • Step 6. Securing, implementing and evaluating

Guidance on Vision and Policy for primary education and specialised education will be published soon.

The Guidance on Vision and Policy for Healthy Relationships & Sexuality in Secondary Education can be downloaded here.