Relationship, Sex and Health Education curriculum & consultation
PSHE Education (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) gives children the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives successfully — now and in the future.
At St Nicholas Primary School, RSHE is taught as part of a whole-school PSHE approach, supporting 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 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 RSHE Approach
We follow Jigsaw, a mindful approach to PSHE, which we tailor to the needs of our children.
Jigsaw:
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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
Our Curriculum
Our RSHE 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 follow a whole-school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (called a Puzzle) at the same time, taught at an age-appropriate level. Each year group receives one lesson per week.
There are six Puzzles, each taught over a half term.
The Six Jigsaw Puzzles
Being Me in My World
Develops a sense of belonging and community. Children learn about rights and responsibilities, working with others, pupil voice and being part of a school, local and global community.
Celebrating Difference
Explores diversity and inclusion, including disability, racism, friendships and conflict. Children learn to value difference and understand anti-bullying, including cyber and homophobic bullying.
Dreams and Goals
Encourages ambition and aspiration. Children identify strengths, learn how to overcome challenges, work as a team and manage emotions such as pride, success and disappointment. There is also a focus on enterprise and fundraising.
Healthy Me
Covers emotional and mental health (friendships, relaxation, body image, managing stress) and physical health (nutrition, exercise, hygiene, safety, first aid, drugs and alcohol). This Puzzle includes most statutory Health Education content.
Relationships
Focuses on respectful relationships with self and others, including families, friendships, pets, love and loss. Safeguarding, online safety and social networking are key themes. Children learn conflict-resolution, assertiveness and resilience skills.
Changing Me
Explores change across life stages, including growing up, puberty, self-respect, safeguarding and transition to secondary school. Life cycles and human reproduction are taught in some year groups, sensitively and age-appropriately. Parents can request the Jigsaw RSHE leaflet from school.
How Can I Support My Child with RSHE?
RSHE conversations often arise naturally — while cooking, playing, watching TV or discussing the news.
You can also start conversations using:
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storybooks
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films or programmes
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real-life scenarios or news articles
Carefully choosing age-appropriate stimuli and listening to your child’s views helps build trust, confidence and understanding.
Useful Resources
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/
The Book of Hopes
Stories and illustrations to comfort, inspire and encourage children.
BBC Bitesize
Activities supporting wellbeing, resilience and a growth mindset. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
National Literacy Trust – Words for Life
Age-appropriate activities to support learning and wellbeing at home. https://wordsforlife.org.uk/
Nuffield Health – Kids’ Wellbeing
Activities to help children stay healthy and active. https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/
Spread Happiness
Positive messages and activities promoting happiness and wellbeing.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation for children. https://www.cosmickids.com/
Anna Freud Centre
Resources supporting self-care and emotional wellbeing. https://www.annafreud.org/
YoungMinds
Advice and resources supporting children’s mental health. https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Place2Be
Mental health and wellbeing support for children and families. https://www.place2be.org.uk/
Further information:
“Strong relationships with parents are built from the moment children join the school.”
“A welcoming, well-organised school where pupils feel safe, valued and known.”
“Children are taught to respect differences and celebrate who they are.”
“Staff know every child well and build warm, respectful relationships.”
“Behaviour is calm and positive, with pupils showing kindness and courtesy.”
“A school that continues to be judged good, with safeguarding at its heart.”
“An ambitious curriculum helps pupils speak confidently about their learning.”
“High expectations inspire pupils to work hard and achieve their best.”
“Pupils know they have trusted adults to turn to if they are worried.”
“Reading is a priority from the very start of school life.”
“A small school with a huge heart, where children are truly cared for.”
“Staff feel valued and proud to work here – creating a positive school culture.”