Relationships, Sex and Health Education Roadmap
Our Approach
At Aurora Foxes, Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) forms a central part of our Preparing for Adulthood curriculum. It is delivered through a whole-college approach to personal development, including residential life, that supports young adults to develop safe, respectful and healthy relationships as they move towards independence.
RSHE is not delivered as a single standalone subject. Instead, it is embedded across tutorials, vocational learning, independent living programmes, therapy-informed practice and residential life. This ensures learning is relevant, consistent and grounded in real adult experiences.
Our approach reflects national RSHE principles while recognising that we are a specialist further education college supporting young adults with additional needs.
Curriculum Intent
Our RSHE curriculum aims to ensure students:
- develop healthy relationships built on respect, communication and consent
- understand personal rights, boundaries and responsibilities
- maintain physical and emotional wellbeing
- recognise risk and stay safe online and in the community
- build confidence to navigate adulthood, employment and independence
The curriculum is structured around the Preparing for Adulthood outcomes:
- Independent Living
- Good Health
- Friendships, Relationships and Community
- Employment
Learning supports students to become ‘Work Ready, Life Ready’, reflecting the real-life expectations they will encounter beyond college.
Whole-College Delivery Model
RSHE is carefully sequenced across a three-year journey. Students revisit key themes with increasing maturity and independence, ensuring learning is developmentally appropriate and personalised.
Learning moves from understanding personal identity and safety in Year 1, to managing complexity and independence in Year 2, and preparing for adult responsibility and next steps in Year 3.
Tutorials
Weekly tutorials provide structured RSHE learning.
This spiral curriculum ensures knowledge is built gradually and revisited through real-life contexts.
Preparing for Adulthood (PfA)
RSHE themes are reinforced through practical learning blocks, including:
- personal hygiene and health routines
- mental wellbeing and emotional regulation
- consent and personal safety
- community engagement and travel training
- social communication and independence skills
Students practise these skills through experiential learning in houses and the community.
Work Ready Life Ready (WRLR)
RSHE learning is closely linked to employability. Students develop:
- professional communication skills
- respectful workplace relationships
- digital safety and online professionalism
- understanding of rights, responsibilities and equality
This ensures relationships education prepares students for adult environments beyond college.
Targeted Support and Specialist Opportunities
Some students benefit from additional RSHE support beyond the core curriculum. Opportunities include:
- small group or 1:1 sessions
- workshops with Relationships and Sexual Health Team or PCSOs
- access to local sexual health services and C-Card scheme
- LGBTQ+ student social group providing safe discussion spaces
Support is always personalised and delivered sensitively, recognising each student’s developmental stage.
Safeguarding, Rights and Responsibilities
As a specialist residential college supporting young adults, our RSHE approach balances autonomy with safeguarding, recognising students as adult students while providing education, guidance and proportionate support.
We recognise that students have the right to develop relationships and explore identity while living within a shared community environment. Education focuses on:
- consent and capacity
- healthy boundaries
- online safety
- exploitation and grooming awareness
- respectful behaviour towards others
Our practice aligns with national legislation, the Aurora Group Personal and Sexual Relationships Policy, and the Aurora Foxes Sexuality and Relationships Policy, which together promote dignity, equality, autonomy and informed choice for adult students.
Assessment and Impact
Progress in RSHE is monitored through:
- baselining and personalised targets
- termly progress reviews
- tutorial reflections and observation
- EHCP outcome tracking
Students demonstrate progress when they:
- communicate boundaries confidently
- make safer choices in relationships and online spaces
- manage emotional wellbeing more independently
- show increased maturity and responsibility in adult environments
Partnership with Parents and Carers
We understand that RSHE topics can feel sensitive. Our aim is to work openly and collaboratively with families.
Parents and carers can:
- access information about RSHE themes and approaches
- discuss concerns with staff
- request further guidance where needed
Learning is always delivered in a respectful and developmentally appropriate way.
Key Contacts
RSHE Lead: Kim Williams – kim.williams@theauroragroup.co.uk
