Teenage pregnancy rates are higher in Leicestershire this year than they were last year, which was higher than the year before.

Although the primary responsibility for helping young people make informed choices about sex and relationships rests with parents (who have the biggest influence on their children’s well-being) we at Guthlaxton work alongside you, and other services, in particular health services to support our students.

We are particularly fortunate at Guthlaxton to have a health clinic and a school nurse on site. The benefits of such a facility are proven:

• It avoids young people having to take time off from school to attend appointments at services based in the local community;
• It helps avoid young women dropping out of learning altogether due to unplanned pregnancy;
• It helps young people address early any health concerns that may be affecting their ability to learn effectively; and
• It allows schools to demonstrate - for example to OfSTED - that it is meeting its obligations to support all young people to achieve the 5 Every Child Matters outcomes and to promote pupils’ well-being.

Teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are key issues of social exclusion and health inequalities that can significantly limit young people’s chance to fulfil their potential.

The school nurse Tracy Dickens will be providing information sessions during assemblies in March, I urge you to read again the information that was in last month’s newsletter repeated below.

We would like all students at Guthlaxton to fulfil their potential. Thank you for your support.

Published on Wednesday 4th February 2009 at 09:00