From the first lesson this is important in enabling children to understand their body and learn that there is nothing to be ashamed about when talking about their genitals. This includes primary school children- the vulva is just part of the body, like an arm or ear, so don’t be afraid to use the right language.

Are there any gaps in your own knowledge about reproductive health and anatomy? There’s nothing wrong with finding out more and asking questions of expert sources before teaching. We’d recommend you go to FPA Resources to find out more.

Evidence shows that you should learn about something before you experience it to reduce fear around it. This means we should make sure that we’re giving children information about periods, vaccination and screening in timely ways and before they experience them.

So that you build understanding of an issue. Covering topics over the years, in growing detail, is the best way to teach children about their bodies and health, in an age appropriate and effective way.

Using anonymous question boxes can be a useful part of this. Be honest if you don’t know the answer. Turn to sources of help such as a school nurse for further information and return to the question in the next lesson.

Be as open and comfortable as you can when you’re teaching RSE. The more normal and every day the conversation feels – and the more confident you are– you’ll be modelling good health behaviours and knowledge. Practice saying words that are new to you at home, perhaps in the mirror so they feel less novel to use in class.

Tone of voice, speed and choice of words, body language signals, facial expressions and eye contact (or lack of it!) are important when teaching RSE. We know from the conversations that we have through our Ask Eve nurse service, that people of all ages value warmth and openness in communications around their bodies and this needs to start with those first lessons about their body.

This is something that you need to consider in advance of your RSE lessons. What are the religious, community or cultural issues that you need to consider around this? Parental consultation is an opportunity to deepen understanding. How can you convey accurate information about health and anatomy, with sensitivity and an approach that ensures all pupils and families feel included.

Have open conversations with your pupils which enable them to learn to know their bodies, understand their anatomy and spot when something might be a cause for concern. This is about giving children and young people the power of knowledge to understand their bodies and health. Think vaccination, cervical screening and body knowledge.