PSHE

In Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) we cover the strands set out by the DfE Statutory Relationships and Health Education Guidance. These include:
– Families and the people who care for me
– Caring and respectful relationships
– Being safe including, internet safety and harm and online relationships
– Mental wellbeing
– Physical health and fitness
– Healthy eating
– Drugs, alcohol and tobacco
– Health and prevention including, basic first aid

Subject-specific information The strands above are covered through the following themes; Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships, Changing Me. We use the Jigsaw scheme, and we plan and deliver lessons according to the needs of our pupils. We use ‘Lifesavers’ for our finance education curriculum outcomes, which is a values-based financial education programme. Whilst we use schemes/programmes, we ensure that these are adapted to meet the needs of our pupils.

Teaching Approaches

The foundation of our approach to teaching PSHE is the strength of the relationships staff build with pupils and the sense of belonging we give every pupil. At Rise Park Primary, success is not just measured by academic achievement but by the character of an individual. Our aim is to make every child in our care the very best version of themselves through nurturing talent, channelling creativity and encouraging ambition. Our ‘Riseparkers’ will experience a rich tapestry of opportunities that will shape choices, develop pride and confidence as well as prepare them for their next steps in life. PSHE is taught through discrete lessons in addition to wider opportunities throughout our school. Pupils identified to be struggling can be directed to further support, tailored to their individual needs through nurture within the school day, or morning intervention. When appropriate, we can refer to external agencies for professional help.

Resources and Websites

PSHE education: a guide for parents | pshe-association.org.uk – a useful guide that answers common questions parents might have about PSHE education.

Children’s mental health – Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.co.uk) – – Provides NHS-endorsed tips to help parents and carers spot the signs that children may be struggling with their mental health and how to support them; and provides advice that can help maintain good mental wellbeing.

Healthier Families – Home – (www.nhs.co.uk) – supporting families to stay healthy through diet and exercise.

NSPCC | The UK children’s charity | NSPCC

Primary PSHE teaching resources (bbc.co.uk) – BBC Education resources for PSHE.

Advice for parents and carers (anti-bullyingalliance.co.uk) – advice for parents on bullying.

Thinkuknow – home – resources for children and parents on e-safety.

Safer internet guides/resources – resources to support online safety.

School’s Unique Curriculum

At Rise Park Primary School, we provide learning and opportunities for children to be healthy, independent, responsible individuals. We enable pupils to develop their emotional literacy whilst also preparing them to be a global citizen, with a strong understanding of the diverse world around them. We encourage our learners to be resilient and confident, priming them for opportunities and experiences in real life.

Emotional awareness is one of our curriculum drivers, staff use this to identify opportunities within planning to link learning to emotional literacy, giving pupils the opportunity to develop skills such as empathy and managing emotions.

Theme weeks, such as ‘Anti-bullying Week’ are planned carefully in line with pupil voice and to further extend knowledge within the curriculum such outcomes. Through the teaching of key events, both historical and current, this teaches children the importance of reflection and learning from mistakes. They are able to identify what it means to be a respectful citizen. Throughout the year, key dates such as Children’s Mental Health Day, Anti-Bullying Week and RSE day are celebrated across school and carefully planned to ensure progressive learning takes place and reinforces key messages.

Key Stage Information

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Jigsaw supports children in developing self-awareness, managing feelings and building positive relationships through stories, play-based activities and circle time. In Key Stage 1, lessons focus on helping pupils recognise and name emotions, understand friendships, develop resilience and learn how to keep themselves healthy and safe, using simple discussions, role play and practical activities. In Key Stage 2, pupils explore these themes in greater depth, including personal goals, emotional wellbeing, relationships, online safety and understanding physical and emotional changes, through reflective discussions, collaborative work and problem-solving. Across all key stages, Jigsaw lessons are taught in a safe, inclusive environment that encourages respect, empathy and open communication.

Curriculum Implementation

At our school, the Jigsaw PSHE curriculum is enriched through a range of complementary approaches that support pupils’ personal, social and emotional development. Alongside Jigsaw, we use the LifeSavers financial education programme to develop children’s understanding of money, saving, spending and financial responsibility in a practical and meaningful way. Learning is further strengthened through participation in national theme days and weeks, including Anti-Bullying Week, Children’s Mental Health Week and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Day, which provide focused opportunities for discussion, reflection and whole-school activities. This curriculum is supported by our strong nurture provision, which helps pupils develop emotional regulation, confidence and positive relationships, and by our ELSA-trained teaching assistants, who offer targeted emotional support to children who need it. Together, these elements ensure a consistent, caring and inclusive approach to pupils’ wellbeing across the school.

Assessment and Progress

Both formative and summative assessments take place in PSHE. Teachers use ongoing formative assessments both within lessons and informally to judge where pupils are working in PSHE. Summative assessments are used at the end of each theme to identify how well pupils have retained the knowledge and skills taught throughout the half term. Support is put in place for pupils needing further help; this could be internal or external depending on the needs of the child.