Skip to content
English - United Kingdom
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Can parents withdraw their child from Life to the Full Primary lessons?

Overview

In primary schools, the vast majority of Life to the Full lessons are statutory, meaning parents do not have the right to withdraw their child.

The only exception relates to specific elements of sex education, which remain non-compulsory.

Which parts of Life to the Full are statutory?

Life to the Full Primary is designed to meet the statutory requirements for:

  • Relationships Education
  • Health Education

This means that:

  • Most lessons across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 are statutory
  • Parents cannot withdraw their child from these areas

These include teaching on:

  • Family and relationships
  • Friendships and respect
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Physical health and safety

Which parts are non-statutory?

The only elements that are non-compulsory are specific aspects of sex education.

For example:

  • Human reproduction (how a baby is conceived and born)

Parents have the right to request withdrawal from these elements.

It is also worth noting:

  • Topics such as pornography are not statutory at primary level
  • However, they may be included in the programme for safeguarding reasons, recognising that children may encounter harmful content earlier than expected

What are ‘Key Decision’ areas?

Within Life to the Full, some content is identified as Key Decisions.

These are:

  • Areas not part of the DfE statutory RHE curriculum
  • Included because schools often feel pupils would benefit from learning about them
  • Designed to allow schools to:
    • Make thoughtful, context-sensitive decisions
    • Engage parents appropriately

Key Decisions in Key Stage 1 (including Year 2)

There is one Key Decision in KS1, found in the session Girls and Boys:

Naming of genitalia

  • Often linked to the KS1 Science curriculum (though not always)
  • Schools are given two options:
    • Use correct anatomical terms
    • Use alternative language

This allows schools to choose the approach that best fits their community.

Key Decisions in Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6)

There are four Key Decision areas in UKS2:

  • Talking about pornography
  • Talking about sex
  • FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)
  • Protected Characteristics

These topics are handled in a way that is:

  • Age-appropriate
  • Sensitive
  • Rooted in safeguarding and Catholic teaching

How does this relate to the right of withdrawal?

  • The right to withdraw applies only to sex education
  • It does not apply to Relationships or Health Education
  • Key Decision areas may include non-statutory content, but are:
    • Carefully designed
    • Often included to support safeguarding and pupil wellbeing

The updated 2026 statutory guidance does not change the right of withdrawal, but continues to emphasise:

  • The importance of parent consultation
  • The need for clear communication with families

How should schools respond to parent concerns?

We recommend a relational and supportive approach:

1. Begin with a conversation

  • Listen to and understand the parent’s concerns
  • Offer reassurance about how content is taught

2. Share parent engagement resources

Schools can access:

  • Parent Consultation Tool
  • Template letters (under “Draft texts” and “Follow-up Communication”)
  • Parent Information Booklets

These can be found here:
https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/programmes/life-to-the-full-plus/page/england/

(Please note: this area is available to Programme Coordinators and Super Users.)

3. Use the Online Parent Portal

Parents can:

  • Watch lesson videos in full
  • Understand exactly what is being taught
  • Access conversation starters for use at home

This often helps to alleviate concerns and build trust.

4. Additional support (if needed)

In some cases, schools can request temporary access (e.g. 3 weeks) for a parent to view the full programme.

Summary

  • Most of Life to the Full Primary is statutory
  • Withdrawal does not apply to Relationships or Health Education
  • Only specific sex education is non-compulsory
  • KS1 content is statutory, with one Key Decision area
  • Additional Key Decisions in UKS2 support safeguarding and wider understanding
  • Open, supportive communication with parents is key

Further guidance

You can find more detail in the Programme Coordinator Manual:
https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/programmes/life-to-the-full-plus/page/lttf-p-manual

Need further support?

If you would like help navigating a particular situation or speaking with parents, we’d be very happy to support you.