Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education helps children and young people deal with some of the issues they face as they grow up. The aspects covered by PSHE education are central to a person’s wellbeing and include nutrition and physical activity; drugs, alcohol and tobacco education; sex and relationships education; and economic wellbeing and financial capability.

Sir Alasdair Macdonald’s independent review into the provision and status of PSHE education recommended that it become part of the statutory national curriculum at all key stages. It was suggested that this will raise its status as a subject, improve provision and underline its key role in supporting children and young people’s personal wellbeing and development needs.

Making PSHE education statutory raises a number of areas of concern for schools, parents and young people. These key concerns include pressures on the curriculum, the role of governing bodies and the parental right of withdrawal from sex and relationships education. This consultation document examines these concerns.

The consultation was open to any member of the public wishing to respond between 30 April and 24 July 2009. A range of conferences, focus groups and engagements were also organised during this consultation period. This report contains the outcomes of the public consultation.