Overview
At our school, PSHE plays a vital role in nurturing the whole child within our close-knit school community. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and known, and our PSHE curriculum supports this by helping pupils develop confidence, kindness and a strong sense of belonging.
Through carefully planned lessons and shared experiences, children are taught the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to stay safe, healthy and prepared for life beyond our school. Learning reflects both the wider world and our rural setting, encouraging children to care for themselves, each other and the environment around them.
Our PSHE curriculum covers a wide range of age-appropriate topics, including health and hygiene, keeping safe (in school, outdoors and online), understanding relationships, respecting difference and taking responsibility as members of our local and wider community. Teaching is sensitive and inclusive, allowing children the time and space to ask questions, share ideas and build understanding at their own pace.
In EYFS, Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is a prime area of learning and provides the essential foundations for our PSHE curriculum as children move into KS1 and beyond.
EYFS PSED is organised into three key strands:
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Self-Regulation
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Managing Self
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Building Relationships
These align closely with the three PSHE strands in our PSHE curriculum which is adapted from the Twinkl Life Scheme:
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Relationships – building friendships, showing kindness and respect, recognising bullying and celebrating what makes us unique
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Health and Wellbeing – learning about physical and mental health, healthy lifestyles, safety and emotional wellbeing
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Living in the Wider World – understanding our community, caring for the countryside and environment, learning about British values and becoming responsible citizens
PSHE lessons include discussion, practical activities and opportunities for reflection, helping children to make links between what they learn in school and everyday life. Learning is carefully sequenced and revisited so that knowledge and skills grow as children move through the school. Learning in PSHE is collected in class floorbooks which capture discussion, reflection and agreed class learning, providing evidence of coverage, progression and impact while supporting an inclusive and age-appropriate approach.
As a small school, we place great value on strong relationships and positive role models. PSHE is woven into daily school life, assemblies and whole-school activities, helping children to feel supported and listened to.
Through PSHE, children are supported to:
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develop resilience and manage challenges with confidence
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build positive relationships and work well with others
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understand how to stay safe and make healthy choices
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develop self-esteem, emotional awareness and independence
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communicate effectively and show respect for others
By embedding PSHE across school life, we aim to equip our children with the skills and values they need to thrive, both within our rural community and in the wider world beyond.