...or do they? Schools don't have to teach more than the basic biological facts about reproduction. You could be in for a big shock at just how little your kids are learning about sex and relationships in school.

What must schools teach?

• Biology is compulsory, covering the physical facts about puberty and reproduction. Schools should also cover the basics of HIV and contraception.
• The broader SRE (sex and relationships education) covering relationships, feelings, attitudes and morals, as well as the detail of pregnancy and disease-prevention and how to get help etc., is not compulsory, but may be taught as part of PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education).

How can I find out what sex education is given at my child's school?
Check the school prospectus or website, or contact the Head or your child's Year Tutor and ask to see an up-to-date sex education policy.

What are my rights as a parent?
You have the right:

• to be consulted by the school and told what is covered in SRE
• to withdraw your child from some or all SRE lessons, but not statutory science lessons. If you do withdraw your child, the school should tell you what topics your child has missed.

I want to know more – what should I be asking?
The answers to these questions will give you a good idea of just how much effort your school is putting into providing SRE beyond the statutory minimum.

• How often is SRE given?
  Does it feature regularly on the timetable? Shockingly, you may find that SRE is not taught at all, or is hived off into occasional 'guidance' days. It's possible that your child is receiving sex education for less than a couple of hours a year.
• Who teaches PSHE, and how are they trained?
  Many teachers are non-specialist, untrained and lack confidence. Does the school have a named member of staff managing PSHE provision? Have any teachers been awarded the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Certificate in PSHE?
• Is the school following both sets of SRE guidelines, one laid down by the DfES in 2000, the other in 2005 by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (see Find out more)?
  These two detailed sets of guidelines lay out which topics should be covered in an adequate PSHE programme, and how they should be assessed.
• Is your school part of the National Healthy Schools Programme?
  This is a Government initiative, aimed at improving the health of young people. A school can only achieve Healthy School status if it meets the Programme's detailed criteria in four areas, including sex and relationship education.
• What links does your school have with local health services?
  Are there links with the local Primary Care Trust, so that nurses or doctors come into school to talk to pupils? Are pupils told where to go for confidential, one-to-one follow-up advice?

What can I do if I'm not satisfied?
See if other parents agree. Arrange to talk to the Head, or raise the matter with the School Association, Parents' Association or governing body.