TEACHERS in Bolton would need proper training to deliver more sex and relationship education being demanded in the wake of two national inquiries.

Both The Commons Education Committee and The Children's Commissioner for England stated that more such education is urgently needed in schools today.

The MPs want this to be compulsory following an inquiry launched after a damning Ofsted report on age-appropriate SRE.

And The Office of the Children's Commissioner's recommendations follow the inquiry into child sexual exploitation.

But Julia Simpkins, secretary for the National Union of Teachers in Bolton, said that some teachers felt "uncomfortable" about teaching sex and relationship education.

She stated: "If the government is serious about doing this properly they need to invest money in getting teachers more training."

The MPs say that youngsters have a right to information that will help to keep them healthy and safe and should be taught the subject throughout their schooling.

They want personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) to be given statutory status in all state primary and secondary schools to ensure enough lesson time is devoted to it.

But, they believe that parents should retain their right to withdraw children from lessons.

Alan Wardle, head of public affairs at the NSPCC, said all political parties needed to commit to making updated sex and relationship education a statutory right for every child and young person after the general election.

"There needs to be a greater focus in school on topics such as sexual exploitation, online safety and relationships based on mutual respect and consent as part of a balanced PSHE curriculum," he stated.

Julie Simpkins added: "Lots of children don't have those 'birds and bees' conversations with their parents - I certainly didn't.

"It is really important that young adults particularly understand what is a healthy relationship and about their feelings.

"I think it is a much harder situation in primary schools where we need to strike the right balance. As a simple rule of thumb, if children are able to ask questions they deserve a decent answer."

In Bolton, Fortalice - which runs a refuge for women and children escaping violence and an advice and support centre - has been delivering courses on healthy relationships in primary and secondary schools for the past two years.

Paula Pollitt, team leader of children's services, explained this involved four, one-hour sessions plus a separate session for teachers.

It included feelings, verbal abuse, responsibilities in relationships including friendships and what makes a healthy relationship.

She said: "In secondary schools this is all taken up a level but the outcomes with the children have proved very positive all round."