Written question asked by Ben Chapman (Labour) on Monday, 7 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 December 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 December 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Homosexuality

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what guidance his Department issues to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools on educating pupils on tolerance of homosexuality.

Answer: The Department has sent out a strong message that bullying is not acceptable in our schools, making it clear that all forms of bullying, including those motivated by prejudice, must not be tolerated and should always incur disciplinary sanctions. Homophobic bullying can negatively affect a young person's attainment and future life chances. In order to ensure that schools have the most practical and accessible tools at their disposal to prevent and tackle homophobic bullying, the Department published guidance, which gives schools the knowledge and expertise to tackle homophobic bullying.The Department's "Sex and Relationship Education Guidance" (2004) issued to all schools makes it clear that schools should teach about all types of relationships that exist within society, including homosexual relationships. Both primary and secondary schools should address the underlying attitudes and values that underpin homophobic bullying as part of a well planned and age-appropriate programme of sex and relationships education (SRE).We are issuing revised SRE guidance to schools next year and it is our intention that the revised guidance will reinforce this message.

Secondary information