SEX and relationships education in Wales is to be overhauled to include focus on issues such as consent, domestic abuse and LGBT issues.

Although sex and relationships education is currently part of the basic curriculum in Wales, schools are given free reign to decide how to approach the subject.

Under the overhauled system, to come into place as part of Wales' new curriculum from 2022, the subject will include a much wider range of topics, with an emphasis on healthy, happy and fulfilling relationships.

When the new system, Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), comes into force, it will be a statutory requirement for schools from ages five to 16 - with topics covered appropriate to the relevant age groups.

Announcing the changes, education secretary Kirsty Williams said: “The days of traditional sex education are long gone. The world has moved on and our curriculum must move with it.

"Sex should never be taught in isolation for the simple reason that it is about so much more than just sex - it’s also about relationships, rights and respect and that must go hand in hand with a much broader understanding of sexuality. Anything less does a disservice to our learners and teachers."

She added: “The fact is relationships and sexuality shape our lives as well as the world around us. They are a fundamental part of who we are and how we understand ourselves, each other and society.

“By creating RSE as a statutory area of study in our new curriculum for Wales, we will support our young people to develop healthy relationships, maintain good mental health and keep physically and sexually safe.

“Of course, thirty years on from the introduction of Section 28, we will also ensure that RSE is fully inclusive of all genders and sexualities and meets the needs of LGBTQI+ learners.

“Crucial to all of this will be ensuring that our teachers have the knowledge and confidence to provide the RSE our learners deserve. That’s why we’re providing to ensure that we get the training and professional development right.

“Thirty years ago Margaret Thatcher denounced local education authorities for teaching children that 'they have an inalienable right to be gay'. I want all our learners to know that they have an inalienable right to be happy - this is the driving force behind the changes we’re proposing.”

The new system is being introduced following a review by professor Emma Renold of Cardiff University, who said: “Underpinning the new curriculum with the core principles of rights, equity, inclusivity, protection and empowerment makes for a very promising future for RSE in Wales and takes forward some of the best practice already underway in primary and secondary schools in Wales, and internationally”.

The changes have been welcomed by head of the Welsh branch of the NSPCC Des Mannion. He said: “This is a turning point for our children and young people, our schools and the national curriculum.

"It is a hugely positive step which will benefit children, help them better understand healthy behaviour and relationships and how to keep themselves safe.

“Age-appropriate sexuality and relationships education is key to ensuring children have the right information about sexuality, consent and risks.

“It is a crucial tool in the prevention of both sexual abuse and domestic abuse and will help children and young people realise when something is not right and to know where to go for support.”

Education consortia will be given £200,000 to identify professional learning needs in this area, while Welsh Women's Aid has been given £50,000 to develop resources and training for schools.