Curbs on sex education use pupils as ‘political football’, school leaders say

Conservatives criticised over plans to ban sex and relationship lessons for children under nine in England

School leaders have accused the government of using children as “a political football” over its proposals to restrict sex education lessons in England.

The guidance, expected to be announced this week, would outline what topics could be taught to specific age groups, allow parents access to teaching materials used and further restrict how teachers address gender and sexuality, including transgender and non-binary status, after pressure from Conservative MPs.