A teacher has become one of the first in the country accredited to teach sex and relationship education.
Karen Andrews, 36, received a certificate from Baroness Ashton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for School Standards, at a special ceremony at the House of Lords.
Karen, from Shoeburyness High School, was one of 30 teachers to take part in the pilot scheme to be introduced nationally in 2002 and 2003.
One of the first in country - Karen Andrews with her certificate Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
The process, which if successful could be used in other teaching specialities, involved a lot of "blood sweat and tears" for Karen who had to produce a 300-page portfolio of work outlining her teaching methods.
Karen, the school's health education co-ordinator, said: "Those participating had to produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating both present teaching and future plans for sex and relationship education."
Karen, the sole participant from Essex, will now help to support other teachers who choose to participate in the national scheme.
Published Thursday November 14, 2002
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