The Public Health survey, the first of its kind run locally since 2022, asked Year 10 and Year 12 pupils about sexual relationships, contraception and STI prevention. Some parents raised concerns about it on social media.
Around the same time, some parents have received letters inviting their children to take part in a ‘risk-aversion intervention’. It said the decision was ‘based on some of the answers given in the survey’ and some mistakenly believed it was referring to the Young People’s Survey, which was meant to be anonymous and confidential.
‘Risk Avert is entirely separate from the Young People’s Survey,’ said Education’s head of inclusion Dave Stumpf.
‘There has been a lot of community confusion between the two, which is disappointing, as it potentially muddles and detracts from two very separate but important pieces of work with different groups of young people.’
Mr Stumpf said Risk Avert was an award-winning PSHE programme, delivered locally by Action for Children and funded by the Health Improvement Commission. Year 9 pupils fill in a separate Risk Avert survey, which helps schools identify the 10 to 12 students who would benefit most from a six-week, small-group programme. It aims to build the skills and confidence young people need to make safe choices when faced with a range of issues.
‘The programme focuses on topics such as perception and awareness of risk, decision-making processes, taking responsibility for one’s own actions, and providing solutions to real-world challenges. This encompasses topics such as staying safe, online risks, harmful substances, navigating friendships, relationships and peer influence, and developing communication skills,’ said Mr Stumpf.
Parents are informed in advance, and students can opt out at any time.
The letter sent to parents said taking part did not mean there was anything ‘wrong’ with their child, and that any child would benefit.
After a pilot at St Sampson’s High School last year, the programme is now running for Year 9 pupils across the Secondary School Partnership.
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