Awards for teachers

The national certificates were presented to 10 primary school teachers from Lewes, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Peacehaven, Uckfield and surrounding areas, for completing training in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

The certificates mark the work they have put into developing the skills to teach the subject '“ which involves putting together an impressive portfolio outside their normal working hours.

PSHE lessons are designed to help young people develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge, which provides a foundation for their personal and social development.

Teachers studying for the PSHE certificate focus on either Drug Education or Sex and Relationship Education. They receive training and support over a year from members of the School Improvement Service who specialise in PSHE.

Parents and governors are always consulted fully about drugs and sex education before those subjects are disccussed in the classroom.

The award programme, which is funded jointly by the Department of Health and Department for Education and Skills, and nationally assessed, was marked with a presentation of certificates on Wednesday 20 September.

Councillor Simmons, Lead Cabinet Member for Learning and School Effectiveness at East Sussex County Council, said: "Completing these PSHE courses is a marvellous achievement that will prove invaluable both to the teachers themselves and to schoolchildren across the county. These dedicated professionals have shown that they are willing to go the extra mile to improve the education of their pupils and it is right that we recognise their commitment.