PARENTS will not lose the right to withdraw their children from sex education lessons, Education Minister Ed Balls has promised.

Some family and religious groups reacted with anger after plans to increase sex education in primary and secondary schools were announced.

Although most schools already tackle the topic, government ministers want to make lessons about relationships and reproduction for children from five upwards a compulsory part of the curriculum.

During a visit to Salford, Mr Balls said: "The vast majority of schools are doing really well already in tackling the subject. But what has been clear is this is not happening in every school, for every young person.

"Most primary schools are already teaching facts about animal reproduction. Obviously in a primary school, the focus is about relationships helping children get on with each other and start learning some of the basics."

He also rubbished the fears of campaigners who claimed that the move risked exposing children to sex at too early a stage.

He said: "We are not talking about teaching children at primary school about contraception - we are emphasising that it has to be about relationships.

"Parents will still have the right to withdraw their children from classes. There are no plans to change or take away the rights of parents about what their children learn."

Dangers

New plans were also unveiled to reform school drug and alcohol education - with children to be warned about the dangers at an earlier age.

The minister made his comments during a visit to Oasis Academy in Salford, which changed its name from Hope High last month. 

In a lively discussion, pupils described how their school had previously been plagued with bullying and bad behaviour.

One girl said: "Before there was a lot more bullying and threats but it is a lot different now. People who want to get good marks like it because they are able to get on with things."

Results at the school have improved dramatically. Headteacher Dave Terry, who joined three years ago, has cracked down on bad behaviour, introduced a smart new uniform and invested in new computers.

But the main change will come when the school moves into a £25m building located on the outskirts of the Media City complex, which will house five BBC departments and dozens of independent media firms.

Work is due to begin on the site of the Salford Central Church on Trafford Road late next year, with the new school building opening in 2011.

During his visit, Mr Balls also renewed a government commitment to provide airport-style metal detectors to those schools which wanted them in an effort to prevent knives and guns being brought in.

Local MP Hazel Blears also attended the school visit along with Steven Chalke, founder of the Oasis Trust, a Christian charity which sponsors the school. end