Sex classes urged for five-year-olds

Good-quality classes on sex, relationships and alcohol help youngsters to understand the risks and consequences of their actions and resist peer pressure, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Research shows that two-fifths of young people rate sex education in their school as poor or very poor, it said.

In draft guidance published today, the institute said that sex and relationships education is "more effective if it is introduced before young people first have sex".

It calls for youngsters to be given lessons which are "factually accurate, unbiased and non-judgmental", tailored to each age group, and take into account "cultural, faith and family" issues.

It means primary school pupils could start by learning about friendships and respecting others, the guidance says.

The institute's draft guidance says that pupils should receive sex education classes throughout their school careers.