In Milford N.S. we teach the Stay Safe programme & the RSE (Relationships and Sexuality Education) programme in the second and third terms of the school year.

These personal safety education lessons are an integral part part of the SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) curriculum which must be implemented at all class levels.

The aim of the Stay Safe programme is to teach personal safety skills, and deals initially with situations such as getting lost or being bullied. The programme also teaches children how to protect themselves from physical and/or sexual abuse and emphasises the importance of telling a trusted adult about any problems they may have.

Topics in the Stay Safe programme  include:

• Feelings
• Friendship and Bullying
• Touches
• Secrets and Telling

RSE (Relationships and Sexuality Education) is also an integral part of SPHE. It provides structured opportunities for pupils to acquire knowledge and understanding of human sexuality and relationships through processes which will enable them to form values and establish behaviours within a moral, spiritual and social framework. In particular, it addresses the meaning of human sexuality, relationships, growth and development, relevant to personal and social skills.

Topics in the RSE programme include:

• My Body
• Growing and changing
• Relationships and New Life
• A Baby Is A Miracle
• Choices and Decision Making

It is important that you, the parents, are familiar with and can talk to your child about the content of both the Stay Safe and RSE lessons which will be taught in your child’s class.

You will find all the Stay Safe lessons for each topic online, along with other vocabulary based on personal safety at http://www.staysafe.ie/parents.htm

You can see more information about the RSE programme and the lessons we will cover in all classes in Milford NS, at http://www.pdst.ie/primary/RSE and by clicking on the Teacher’s manuals where you can access every lesson.

The Stay Safe and RSE  lessons include extensive vocabulary related to every topic, including the correct anatomical names for body parts. Your child will also have worksheets to complete at home based on the topics covered at their class level. Please see the grid below which details the sensitive language.

Please contact the school if you wish to discuss the programmes further.

Thank you for your co-operation,

Mr. Diarmaid Moore

Principal.