What is RSE?
Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is a key component of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum in primary schools. It also forms part of the new Wellbeing curriculum, as outlined in the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) Primary Curriculum Framework (2023).
RSE provides children with opportunities to develop the knowledge, attitudes, values, and practical skills needed to establish and maintain healthy personal relationships with themselves and with others.
In addition to learning about relationships, RSE supports children in exploring topics related to:
- Physical development
- Human sexuality
- Emotional wellbeing
All topics are taught in a developmentally appropriate and spiral manner, meaning concepts are revisited and built upon throughout a child’s primary school education in a way that reflects their age and stage of development.
Topics addressed through RSE include:
- Feelings and emotions
- Friendships and relationships
- Inclusive families
- Puberty
- Pregnancy and conception
If you would like to view the RSE curriculum, teaching documents, and additional resources, these are available through Oide – Primary Wellbeing at the link below:
👉 https://oide.ie/primary/home/wellbeing/sphe/resources/
Oide – Primary Wellbeing has also published a helpful guide for parents with practical tips on supporting RSE at home.
👉 Download: RSE in the Primary School – Tips for Parents (PDF)
RSE Across the Primary School Years
Below is an outline of the main areas explored at each stage of primary school.
Junior Infants – 2nd Class
At this stage, RSE focuses on helping children to:
- Recognise and talk about feelings and emotions
- Develop positive friendships and relationships
- Learn about body awareness, personal space, and respect
3rd Class – 4th Class
At this stage, children begin to explore:
- Changes as they grow and develop
- Friendships, boundaries, and respect for others
- Personal safety and making safe choices
5th Class – 6th Class
At this stage, RSE supports children in understanding:
- Puberty and physical changes
- Emotional wellbeing and self-identity
- Respectful relationships and communication
Topics are taught sensitively and appropriately, supporting children as they prepare for the transition to post-primary school.
HSE Resources for Parents/Guardians
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of high-quality, age-appropriate resources designed to support parents and carers in having positive, open conversations with their children about relationships, growing up, and healthy development.
These resources complement the RSE lessons taught in school and can be used at home at a pace that suits your family.
Busy Bodies – Supporting Children Through Puberty
Busy Bodies supports teachers and parents in providing clear and reassuring information about puberty.
It explains the physical and emotional changes children may experience and helps reassure them that puberty is a normal and healthy part of growing up.
Busy Bodies resources:
Making the ‘Big Talk’ Many Small Talks
Making the ‘Big Talk’ Many Small Talks is a series of resources developed to support parents and teachers in talking with children and young people about relationships and healthy sexual development in an age-appropriate way.
Parents of Children Aged 4–7 Years
This resource includes two booklets:
Downloads:
Parents of Children Aged 8–12 Years
This resource supports parents and carers to talk with their children about relationships and healthy sexual development. It complements the Busy Bodies puberty resources used in school.
Downloads:
Parents of Young People Aged 13–18 Years
This resource supports parents in having ongoing conversations with teenagers and young adults about relationships and healthy sexuality development.
Downloads:
Healthy Ireland at Your Library Collection
This booklet lists RSE-related books available in over 330 libraries through the Healthy Ireland at Your Library scheme.
Download: