Sex and relationship education in state-funded schools will be reformed under a Liberal Democrats government, so that it is more effective and age-appropriate.

The party announced the plans as part of its manifesto for next year's General Election, adding that it has ambitious ideas for transforming education.

The Curriculum for Life would mean that children as young as seven (Key Stage 2) would, for the first time, receive lessons focused on sex and relationships.

While sex and relationship education is compulsory in council-run secondary schools, it is not obligatory in state-funded academies or free schools.

Other developments that would occur as part of the Liberal Democrats' Curriculum for Life include teaching pupils financial literacy and citizenship.

"It is vitally important that children learn all the life skills they need when they are at school, and Liberal Democrats believe that should include learning financial literacy, citizenship and age-appropriate sex and relationship education," explained schools minister David Laws.

"We have long made the case, both inside and outside government, for updated sex and relationship education to be taught in all schools, including academies and free schools, but it is not something the Conservatives are open to."

He concluded by saying that delivering quality and relevant sex and relationship education from an early age will help ensure that children are in the best position to make "informed choices in their personal lives and ensure that they have the best opportunity to succeed in life".

With regards to other key developments proposed by the Liberal Democrats, Mr Laws said that financial literacy would ensure that children would be money-wise from youth and understand what it is to be a good citizen.

This would put them in a good position in later life, as both would support many of the practical issues that adults have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.