Updated Scottish Government Guidance on RSHP Education February 2026

The guidance document sets out clearer expectations for how schools teach about relationships, consent, growing bodies, online safety and sexual health. For Christian teachers, the guidance brings both reassurance and responsibility: our faith is respected, but our professional duties remain central.

The Religion, Faith and Belief: Whole School Guidance section (pages 14-15) is of particular note:-

“Teachers and practitioners are expected to be open to discussion and incorporation of the various perspectives on relationships found within their community, including those within religious, belief and faith groups”.

“Schools and settings can consider building links with local belief group representatives who can often help with understanding the concerns of members of their community – though schools and settings are expected to satisfy themselves that such representatives are indeed representative of the community they align with, in line with standards and policies set by their local authority”.

A rights‑based foundation

The guidance is built on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Every child has the right to learn about their body, relationships, safety and wellbeing. For Christian teachers, this aligns naturally with the belief that every child is made in the image of God and worthy of dignity, protection and truth.

Respecting all pupils

RSHP must be taught in a way that is objective, balanced and sensitive. This includes representing all pupils, families and identities, including those of faith and those of LGBT young people. Christian teachers are not asked to change their beliefs, but to ensure that every pupil feels valued, safe and included. Professional conduct must never make a child feel judged or lesser because of who they are.

Working with parents and carers

Parents remain the primary educators of their children. Schools must share RSHP materials openly and respond to concerns with clarity and respect. Christian teachers can play a vital role here – listening well, communicating clearly, and helping families understand what is being taught and why.

There are links to a selection of learning and teaching resources available to schools when delivering RSHP education on pages 21-23 of the guidance publication. CVE Scotland has also produced free resources to use in schools to fit the Experiences and Outcomes of the Curriculum for Excellence’s RSHP curriculum area for Third and Fourth Levels and Senior Stage. All the resources are free and include lesson plans, PowerPoints, handouts and notes for teachers:-

Register – CVE Scotland.

CVE Scotland is also pleased to direct teachers delivering Early Years, First and Second Level RSHP curriculum content to the comprehensive planners developed by the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Working Group:-

RSHP resources for Early Years, First and Second Levels – CVE Scotland

Faith perspectives still have a place

The guidance recognises that Scotland is home to many beliefs. In non‑denominational settings, Christian perspectives can be acknowledged, as long as they are presented factually and without promoting one worldview over others. In denominational schools, faith‑based RSHP continues to be shaped by the Scottish Catholic Education Service.

Living out Christian values in the classroom

While RSHP lessons cannot be used to teach doctrine, Christian teachers can draw on values that deeply enrich this area of learning – respect, compassion, honesty, care for the vulnerable, faithfulness, and a commitment to justice. These values support the guidance’s aims and help create a classroom where pupils feel safe, heard and protected.

Supporting pupils in a complex world

Young people today face challenges previous generations never encountered – online risks, harmful content, and confusion about relationships. Christian teachers can offer calm, grounded, compassionate guidance within the framework of the curriculum, modelling the love, patience and integrity that sit at the heart of the Christian faith.