A critical review of the 2025 RSHE guidance and alternative approach framed in safe uncertainty

Emily Setty
,
Jonny Hunt

University of Surrey
,
Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR)

Research Output: Contribution to journal Review article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

This policy review critically examines the English government's 2025 statutory guidance on Relationships Education, Relationship and Sex Education and Health Education (RSHE), analysing its educational assumptions, strengths and limitations through the lens of safe uncertainty. While the updated guidance somewhat reinstates key inclusive elements and promotes social and emotional literacy, it continues to position RSHE as a risk domain requiring tight control and cautious delivery. This review highlights areas of concern including contradictions in the guidance's treatment of digital image sharing, the approach to gender and the conditional framing of children's rights and participation. Drawing on the concept of safe uncertainty, we advocate a more coherent rights-based framework, clearer policy direction and sustained investment in teacher support and infrastructure. We call for RSHE policy and practice to move beyond compliance and certainty, and instead build relational, reflective and dialogic spaces where students can engage meaningfully with the ethical and social dimensions of their lives. In doing so, RSHE can fulfil its broader educational promise in preventing harm and supporting the flourishing of students as relational and sexual citizens.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Review article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 872-877 (6 pages)

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Children and Society (Volume 40, Issue 4)

Publication milestones

Accepted/In press - 25/09/2025
Published - 07/10/2025

Publication status

Published - 07/10/2025

ISSN

0951-0605

External Publication IDs

handle.net: 10547/626789
Scopus: 105018502836

Access to documents

10.1111/chso.13012

final published version

Final published version, 189.54 KB

License:CC BY

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/chso.13012

Final published version

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