PSHE teaching “poor in many schools” says Ofsted

Personal, social and health education (PSHE) is poor in many
secondary schools and non-existent in others, according to a new
report.
 
Ofsted, which visited more than 60 schools as part of its survey,
found that many secondary schools are neglecting the impact of PSHE
on pupils’ attitudes and personal development, and see
achievement only in terms of subject knowledge.

Specialist teachers are better at teaching PSHE than
non-specialist teachers, but there has been little improvement
since inspectors raised concerns in 2002, says the report. Some
schools do not teach it at all, however, and regard it as
parents’ responsibility.

David Bell, HM chief inspector of schools, said: “High
quality personal, social and health education is vital to young
people’s development in and out of the classroom.”

He added: “I do not condone any schools deciding not to
teach PSHE. Schools need to concentrate on ensuring that those
teaching PSHE have the skills and support they need to deliver a
first class programme of lessons.”
Ends