4
Accepted
The Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care should work with...
Recommendation
The Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care should work with expert stakeholders to ensure the range of guidance being produced to support the introduction of the new RSHE curricula in September 2026 reflects the diversity of experiences of menstrual wellbeing and needs of students. Schools will need guidance on teaching menstrual and gynaecological health to pupils from different racial and ethnic 69 backgrounds and to those with disabilities. Teaching materials should reflect a broad range of lived experiences so that students from a diverse range of backgrounds can feel represented and teaching can be tailored to their needs. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating the DfE will work with expert stakeholders to develop guidance and resources for the updated RSHE curriculum (effective September 2026) to ensure it reflects diverse menstrual wellbeing experiences. The refreshed statutory guidance will be published for consultation later this year.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government accepts recommendations 4 and 5. The Department for Education (DfE) is committed to ensuring that the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum effectively supports pupils’ menstrual wellbeing and health. The updated RSHE curriculum, which will come into effect in September 2026, will include comprehensive guidance on teaching menstrual and gynaecological health. DfE will work with expert stakeholders, including medical professionals, women’s health advocates, and organisations representing diverse communities, to develop resources and guidance for schools. This will ensure that teaching materials reflect the diversity of experiences of menstrual wellbeing and needs of students, including those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities. The guidance will also provide advice on best practice on access to period products and how to embed menstrual health awareness and support at a whole school level in a way that does not perpetuate stigma. This will empower teachers and school staff to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all pupils. DfE will publish the refreshed RSHE statutory guidance for public consultation later this year, with a view to it being in force for September 2026.
Source
Committee
Women and Equalities Committee
Report
12th Report – Menstrual health of girls and young women
04 Mar 2026
HC 1265
Addressee Bodies
Government Equalities Office
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.4 yrs
Report published
04 Mar 2026