Children, Schools and Families Bill

Such schools could say that that is the view of their particular religion, but what they will not be able to do is to state that that is the only view that exists. They will not be able to say that other religions do not have different views or that people of no faith do not have different views. The hon. Gentleman will know—he looks at these issues in great detail—that various principles are set out in clause 11. The first principle is that the information should be "accurate and balanced". The second is that it should be""appropriate to the ages of the pupils"." The third is that""PSHE should be taught in a way that… endeavours to promote equality… encourages acceptance of diversity"." The hon. Gentleman will know that clause 11(8) provides that""In the exercise of their functions"," those responsible must""have regard to any guidance issued… by the Secretary of State"." He will also know that one of the amendments that we have just passed takes account of circumstances that have been raised in which that guidance could be issued by people other than the Secretary of State, and provides that the Secretary of State will be the only person who can issue that guidance, which will be statutory.