Monks, Claire P. ORCID: 0000-0003-2638-181X and Maunder, Rachel (2024) Healthy relationships education - it’s not all about sex! A commentary on the importance of children’s friendships within the pastoral curriculum. Pastoral Care in Education. ISSN 0264-3944 (Print), 1468-0122 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2024.2333855)

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Abstract

In this commentary we reflect on the recently introduced statutory framework for Relationships Education in primary education in England and welcome the inclusion of friendships on the curriculum. We suggest that the attention on some of the more controversial aspects of the framework has perhaps meant that there has been less critical consideration of the teaching of caring friendships. Here we discuss evidence showing the importance of children’s friendships for their school experience, wellbeing and later development and argue that sufficient time and effort should be incorporated into pastoral provision to attend to these topics. We outline some recommendations for practice based on using story-based material to engage children with the intricacies of friendship and equip them with the skills to manage these relationships effectively.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	relationships education; friendship; middle childhood;
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology L Education > L Education (General) R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Vulnerable Children and Families Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	07 May 2024 09:38
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/46437

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