In special schools and for some pupils with special educational needs or disability (SEND) in mainstream schools, schools may need to tailor content and teaching to meet the specific needs of pupils at different developmental stages.
For pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, it may be appropriate to link lesson outcomes with statutory preparing for adulthood outcomes. See SEND code of practice, section 8 for more information about preparing for adulthood.
For pupils with SEND, it is important that teaching within this curriculum area is:
- sensitive
- age-appropriate
- developmentally appropriate
- delivered with reference to the law
As well as the resources below, you may find the Resources page useful too.
Resources
Be Safe Have Fun CKUK is a sexual health education app for young people with autism and or learning difficulties aged 14 and over. The app is about teaching them to learn about keeping safe. It asks them to stop and think about what they are about to do and teach them what could happen to them if they take risks. The app then shows them options on how to reduce or stop the harm associated with those risks. There is a picture dictionary explaining the words used in the app and it has optional text reading capabilities to enhance accessibility. This App will need to be searched for using an App finder (Android or Smart)
BILD - aim to improve lives of those with a learning disability, including those with autism, mental health conditions and dementia, by empowering people and improving practice. Here they provide support on friendships and relationships.
Books Beyond Words has free easy read resources which can be downloaded. Topics include Breast Screening, Cervical Screening, Visiting the Sexual Health Clinic and How to Look After My Balls.
Change has produced an Easy Read guide on LGBTQ+
Health E Lanarkshire has produced Easy Read Sexual Health Information
Mencap provide information and advice to support people with a learning disability. They have an easy to use advice and information hub to help guide you to the information you're looking for.
NSPCC (Love Life Series and PANTS) - Relationships and sex education (RSE) resources for schools | NSPCC Learning
Sexual Health D&G has leaflets on Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Emergency Contraception, The Coil, The Combined Contraceptive Pill, The Contraceptive Implant, The Progesterone Only Pill, Using Condoms. There is also information about Domestic Abuse, Grooming, Sexual Abuse and Exploitation in the context of Covid.
The Norah Fry Research Centre has produced photo-stories aimed at people with learning disabilities around same sex relationship issues:
Jan's Story and Phil's Story - can support women and men who are ‘questioning’ their sexual identity, but also with all people with learning difficulties. It can help people with learning difficulties think about how to challenge any homophobic remarks or ‘jokes’ that come up.
Videos
Choice Support has accessible videos about gender expression, boyfriend and girlfriend relationships, friendships, relationships and sexual abuse.