Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Conference

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Event Summary

As young people navigate life on and offline, schools play a vital role in providing effective Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) to help learners stay safe, healthy, and confident in a complex world.

Bringing together educational professionals from across Wales, join Policy Insight Wales for our Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Conference taking place in Cardiff on 17th March 2026.

Covering the responsibilities of schools, local authorities, colleges, PRUs, and other educational settings, you will hear how to develop an inclusive, developmentally appropriate RSE curriculum that supports learners’ wellbeing and confidence.

Chaired by Professor EJ Renold, our expert speakers will explore the three key strands of the mandatory RSE Code: relationships and identity; sexual health and wellbeing; empowerment, safety, and respect.

The Curriculum for Wales Annual Report 2024 highlighted that many schools are making strong progress in embedding RSE curriculum, but challenges remain in teaching and assessment. You will learn how to deliver an effective RSE curriculum that meets the requirements of the Curriculum for Wales. Looking ahead to Estyn’s planned Thematic Review on Healthy Relationships in Schools, we will consider how schools support positive, healthy relationships as part of their whole-school approach and teaching of RSE.

We’ll address a range of current issues affecting children and young people, including consent, boundaries, body image, puberty, gender identity, mental health, inclusion and diversity. With a focus on tackling misogyny, toxic masculinity, and online safety, you’ll hear from school leaders and experts about how to create open, respectful conversations and having the confidence to tackle sensitive topics.

Learn strategies to involve key stakeholders: this includes informing parents/carers, consulting learners, having clear policies, and ensuring transparency about curriculum content and resources. Ensure you have processes in place to monitor and review your policy and provision.

Join us in Cardiff in March for a full day of networking and learning.

We look forward to bringing you the full speaker lineup and comprehensive agenda shortly.

Materials can be provided in Welsh. Email: info@policyinsight.wales. Gallwn ddarparu deunyddiau yn Gymraeg. E-bost:info@policyinsight.wales

Please allow 7 days for materials to be provided in Welsh. Caniatewch 7 diwrnod i ddeunyddiau gael eu darparu yn Gymraeg.

Key Points

Delivering a developmentally appropriate RSE curriculum aligned with the Curriculum for Wales
Embedding a whole-school approach to RSE
Fostering parental trust and engagement
Best practice for managing sensitive and challenging discussions, and managing possible disclosures or safeguarding issues
Mapping out progression through RSE phases
Embedding inclusivity into RSE: reflecting cultural values, identities, gender, sexuality
Teaching about healthy relationships, consent, coercion, safety, and respect
Tackling misogyny in and out of school
Online safety including social media, sharing images, content, hate speech online
How to access specialist provision and support
Monitoring and reviewing RSE policy and provision

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Group discounts

Interesting content from a variety of presenters - all different and all informative. Really enjoyed
Kerry O'Brien-Cole, Bryngwyn School

A really interesting, informative day which provided reassurance with regards direction our school is going in and also some very useful suggestions on how to make further improvement.
Claire Sewell, Minds Ahead

Very interesting - i took some good things away with me today and can't wait to go back through the slides to help support my quest in Attendance
Matthew Tucker, Birchgrove Comprehensive School

Very informative and engaging!
Cerasela Raducanescu, Educ8

Agenda

09:00 – 09:30

Registration, Tea and Coffee

09:30 – 09:40

Chair’s Opening Remarks

Professor EJ Renold

Professor of Childhood Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University

09:40 – 10:10

Keynote Address: The Future of RSE – Navigating Policy, Curriculum and Best Practice

Addressing the impact of the Curriculum for Wales Annual Report 2024 and ongoing updates to the Curriculum for Wales Framework including the RSE Code
The Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025: the importance of Welsh-medium and bilingual RSE resources development
Embedding the RSE Code: ensuring an age and stage appropriate approach
Navigating the challenges and opportunities young people are facing

Live Q&A

10:00 – 10:10

10:10 – 10:50

Panel Discussion: Developing an Effective RSE Curriculum

Ensuring RSE is inclusive, accessible and age and development appropriate
Balancing statutory requirements with sensitivity and respect for pupils’ beliefs and cultural backgrounds
The role of senior leadership: supporting, implementing and championing a strong RSE curriculum, while raising teaching standards
Understanding parental rights and school responsibilities

Live Q&A

10:40 – 10:50

Aoife McDermott

Children Affected by Domestic Abuse Project Manager, Welsh Women's Aid

10:50 – 11:20

Networking Break

11:20 – 11:45

Supporting Staff and Embedding a Whole School Approach to RSE

The role of senior leadership in providing guidance, training and a supportive framework for RSE delivery
Ensuring teachers feel prepared to address sensitive topics and providing access to high-quality and reliable resources to aid teaching
Guidance on managing difficult questions and fostering open, respectful discussions
Supporting teacher wellbeing and recognising past experiences with trauma, abuse or sensitive issues
Embedding a whole school approach: involving teachers, ancillary staff, physiotherapists, nurses and carers in RSE delivery

Live Q&A

11:35 – 11:45

Dr Sarah Witcombe-Hayes

Senior Policy Researcher, NSPCC Cymru

11:45 – 12:10

Fostering Parental Trust and Engagement

Understanding parents’ rights and school responsibilities
Strategies to engage parents as partners in RSE delivery
Communicating clearly about what is being taught and why it matters
Addressing parental concerns: responding to questions and misconceptions with empathy and respect
Providing guidance that acknowledges diverse perspectives while upholding statutory requirements

Live Q&A

12:00 – 12:10

Sophie Goodliffe

Headteacher, Tyn Y Wern Primary School

Rebeccah Webber

RSE Lead, Tyn Y Wern Primary School

12:10 – 12:55

Panel Discussion: Embedding Inclusivity in RSE

Adapting RSE content to be inclusive of ALN and LGBTQ+ students
Embedding diverse perspectives and lived experiences into RSE to ensure all students feel seen and heard
Recognising and supporting vulnerable learners who may require tailored guidance or additional emotional and pastoral support
Creating safe and trusting environments where students feel empowered to engage in open, respectful dialogue about identity, relationships and wellbeing

Live Q&A

12:45 – 12:55

Dr Max R. Ashton

Research Associate, University of Cardiff

12:55 – 13:55

Lunch

13:55 – 14:55

Key Strands Case Studies: Teaching and Delivering the RSE Code

In this session we will deep dive into the 3 key strands:

Identity and Relationships
Sexual Health and wellbeing
Empowerment, Safety and Respect

You will hear best practice examples of teaching and delivering the strands.

Live Q&A

14:45 – 14:55

14:55 – 15:25

Strengthening Online Safety and Tackling Misogyny

Understanding harmful online narratives, how they spread online and shape young people’s attitudes and behaviours
The link between toxic masculinity, misogyny and social media trends
Embedding gender equality, consent, and healthy relationship education at the heart of RSE to promote mutual respect, empathy, and inclusion
Providing the tools and confidence to recognise, address and prevent misogyny in and out of school

Live Q&A

15:15 – 15:25

Georgia Theodoulou

Head of Partnerships and Development, Our Streets Now

15:25 – 15:55

RSE Workshop

Professor EJ Renold

Professor of Childhood Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University

15:55 – 16:00

Chair’s Closing Remarks

Full List of Speakers

Chaired by: Professor EJ Renold, Professor of Childhood Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University
Sarah Witcombe-Hayes, Senior Policy Researcher, NSPCC
Aoife McDermott, Children Affected by Domestic Abuse Project Manager, Welsh Women’s Aid
Dr Max R. Ashton, Research Associate, University of Cardiff
Georgia Theodoulou, Head of Partnerships and Development, Our Streets Now
Sophie Goodliffe, Headteacher, Tyn Y Wern Primary School
Rebeccah Webber, RSE Lead, Tyn Y Wern Primary School

Full speaker line-up will be announced shortly.

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)

Conference

Event Summary

Key Points

Sponsorship

Group discounts

Agenda