PSHE Education
(Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)
PSHE Education provides children with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives successfully — now and in the future.
At St Nicholas Primary School, PSHE is taught as part of a whole-school approach, helping pupils to thrive as:
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individuals
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family members
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members of society
Our broad and balanced PSHE curriculum:
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promotes spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development
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prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life
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actively promotes British values
Our PSHE Approach
At St Nicholas, we follow Jigsaw, a mindful approach to PSHE.
Jigsaw is carefully tailored to meet the needs of our children and:
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promotes positive philosophy and creative teaching
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supports emotional wellbeing and personal development
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nurtures compassionate, confident and well-rounded individuals
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fully meets statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education
EYFS, KS1 & KS2
Our curriculum brings together:
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PSHE Education
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statutory Relationships and Health Education
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emotional literacy
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mindfulness
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social skills
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spiritual development
We use a whole-school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (known as a Puzzle) at the same time, taught at an age-appropriate level. Older pupils explore the themes in greater depth.
There are six Puzzles, each taught over a half term, with one lesson per week.
The Six Jigsaw Puzzles
Being Me in My World
Explores belonging, community, children’s rights and responsibilities, pupil voice, teamwork and social skills at school, local and global levels.
Celebrating Difference
Focuses on diversity, inclusion and respect. Children learn about similarities and differences, disability, racism, friendships and conflict. Anti-bullying (including cyber and homophobic bullying) is a key element.
Dreams and Goals
Encourages children to think about aspirations, personal strengths and resilience. Pupils learn about teamwork, enterprise, fundraising and managing emotions such as pride, success and disappointment.
Healthy Me
Covers emotional and mental health (relaxation, friendships, body image, stress management) and physical health (nutrition, exercise, hygiene, safety, first aid, drugs and alcohol). This Puzzle includes most statutory Health Education content.
Relationships
Explores relationships with self, family and friends, as well as love and loss. Safeguarding, online safety and social networking are key themes. Children develop conflict-resolution, assertiveness and resilience skills.
Changing Me
Focuses on change, including growing up, puberty, self-respect, transition and safeguarding. Some year groups learn about life cycles and human reproduction, taught sensitively and age-appropriately. Parents can request the Jigsaw Relationships and Sex Education leaflet from school.
How Can I Support My Child with PSHE?
PSHE conversations often happen naturally — while cooking, playing, watching television or discussing the news.
You may also choose to start conversations using:
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books or stories
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films or TV programmes
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real-life scenarios or news articles
Choosing age-appropriate stimuli and listening carefully to your child’s thoughts helps build trust and understanding.
Useful Websites
All resources below are suitable for UK primary-aged children and families.
Mentally Healthy Schools
Resources for parents and carers covering wellbeing and mental health.
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/
National Literacy Trust – Words for Life
Age-appropriate activities with cross-curricular links. https://wordsforlife.org.uk/
BBC Bitesize
Activities promoting wellbeing, resilience and a growth mindset. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation videos for children. https://www.cosmickids.com/
Anna Freud Centre
Resources supporting self-care and emotional wellbeing. https://www.annafreud.org/
YoungMinds
Support and advice for children’s mental health and wellbeing. https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Place2Be
Mental health support and creative wellbeing resources for families. https://www.place2be.org.uk/
Spread Happiness
Positive messages and wellbeing content for children. https://www.youtube.com/
“An ambitious curriculum helps pupils speak confidently about their learning.”
“Behaviour is calm and positive, with pupils showing kindness and courtesy.”
“Strong relationships with parents are built from the moment children join the school.”
“Children are taught to respect differences and celebrate who they are.”
“A welcoming, well-organised school where pupils feel safe, valued and known.”
“Reading is a priority from the very start of school life.”
“Pupils know they have trusted adults to turn to if they are worried.”
“A small school with a huge heart, where children are truly cared for.”
“High expectations inspire pupils to work hard and achieve their best.”
“Staff know every child well and build warm, respectful relationships.”
“Staff feel valued and proud to work here – creating a positive school culture.”
“A school that continues to be judged good, with safeguarding at its heart.”