‘As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same’
Nelson Mandela
Intent
At Baydon St Nicholas we believe that PSHE and citizenship should enable children to become healthier, more independent and more responsible members of society. We encourage our children to play a positive role in contributing to the life of the school and the wider community. In so doing, we help develop their sense of self-worth. We teach them how society is organised and governed. We ensure that the children experience the process of democracy through participation as School Council members, House captains and Worship Committee members. We teach children both about their rights and about their responsibilities. They learn to appreciate what it means to be a positive member of a diverse and multicultural society.
Our personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme runs alongside our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Policy. It promotes pupil’s personal, social and economic development, as well as their health and wellbeing. It helps to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active, responsible citizens. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of our school and community.
Through sessions pupils learn to recognise their own worth, work well with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning. They reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. It also gives pupils an understanding of the rights and responsibilities that are part of being a good citizen and introduces them to some of the principles of prudent financial planning and understanding. They learn to understand and respect our common humanity, diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life-long learning.
As a Church of England school, our PSHE and RSE school policies also adhere to the Church of England ‘Valuing All God’s Children’ document (September 2019). This states that:
One of the four strands of the Church of England Vision for Education is dignity and respect. Part of this vision is to create a culture where children can grow to be content, living well in their own skin, and happy for others for the skin they’re in. This happens best in a culture of love that accepts, forgives and keeps faith with children and young people as they explore questions of identity and selfhood.
At Baydon our PSHE curriculum is ambitious, well-sequenced and progressive therefore equipping our pupils with the skills they need to be happy, healthy and responsible members of society. We offer a range of learning experiences that provide our pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully tackle the social, moral, spiritual and cultural issues that face the children growing-up in their local environment.
The PSHE curriculum is underpinned by our school values (Respect, kindness and Perseverance) and the fundamental British Values which are:
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual respect and Tolerance
Our PSHE curriculum meets the aims of the Relationships and Health Education statutory guidance (as set out by the Department for Education), including the non-statutory sex education. We use the Kapow RSE and PSHE scheme, a comprehensive scheme of work that enables us to deliver an ambitious PSHE curriculum from EYFS through to Year 6, covering key areas which will support children to make informed choices now and in the future around their health, safety, wellbeing, relationships, and financial matters and will support them in becoming confident individuals and active members of society.
Our curriculum offer is enhanced by age appropriate additional learning opportunities, trips and visits from specialist external providers to meet the needs of our community when possible.
What is PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education)?
PSHE is a planned programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives – now and in the future. As part of a whole-school approach, PSHE develops the qualities and attributes children need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.
What is RSHE (Relationships, Sex, Health Education)?
The Department for Education (DfE) announced that Relationship and Health Education is compulsory for primary aged children from September 2020. Sex education remains non-statutory.
Health Education includes learning about the ‘changing adolescent body’ to equip children to understand and cope with puberty. The National Curriculum for Science (also a compulsory subject), includes learning the correct names for the main external body parts, learning about the human body as it grows from birth to old age and reproduction (including puberty) in some plants and animals.
Relationships Education, Health Education and Science are compulsory subjects and parents/carers do not have the right to withdraw their children from these subjects. We will inform parents when these topics are being taught so that they can support their children with this learning at home.
The DfE guidance states sex education is not compulsory in Primary schools. As a primary school, we will deliver additional content on sex education to meet the needs of our pupils which includes ‘conception’ and ‘human reproduction’. We will inform parents by letter when these topics are being taught and parent/carers do have the right to request their child is withdrawn from these specific lessons.
Before we teach children about the changing body or Sex Education, we always notify parents. This enables parents to support their children at home, ask staff any questions they may have and see the learning material.
If you have any questions about PSHE or RSE please contact Charlotte Taylor Deputy Headteacher via the school office.
Our PSHE pathways:
The Kapow Primary scheme is a whole school approach that consists of five areas of learning across Key stages 1 and 2.
Key stage 1 and 2:
- Families and relationships
- Health and wellbeing
- Safety and the changing body
- Citizenship
- Economic wellbeing
Each area is revisited to allow children to build on prior learning. The lessons also provide a progressive programme as pupils mature.
PSHE in EYFS
Personal, Social and Emotional Development educational programme (taken from the EYFS Framework 2024)
‘Children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED) is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives, and is fundamental to their cognitive development. Underpinning their personal development are the important attachments that shape their social world. Strong, warm and supportive relationships with adults enable children to learn how to understand their own feelings and those of others. Children should be supported to manage emotions, develop a positive sense of self, set themselves simple goals, have confidence in their own abilities, to persist and wait for what they want and direct attention as necessary. Through adult modelling and guidance, they will learn how to look after their bodies, including healthy eating, and manage personal needs independently. Through supported interaction with other children, they learn how to make good friendships, co-operate and resolve conflicts peaceably. These attributes will provide a secure platform from which children can achieve at school and in later life.’
Early learning goals that link to PSHE are:
ELG: Self-Regulation
Children at the expected level of development will:
• Show an understanding of their own feelings and those of others, and begin to
regulate their behaviour accordingly.
• Set and work towards simple goals, being able to wait for what they want and
control their immediate impulses when appropriate.
• Give focused attention to what the teacher says, responding appropriately
even when engaged in activity, and show an ability to follow instructions
involving several ideas or actions.
ELG: Managing Self
Children at the expected level of development will:
• Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and
perseverance in the face of challenge.
• Explain the reasons for rules, know right from wrong and try to behave
accordingly.
• Manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs, including dressing,
going to the toilet and understanding the importance of healthy food choices.
ELG: Building Relationships
Children at the expected level of development will:
• Work and play cooperatively and take turns with others.
• Form positive attachments to adults and friendships with peers.
- Show sensitivity to their own and to others’ needs.
In foundation stage pupils will be supported in a range of activities to be able to meet the ELGS specified to this curriculum area (above). The Kapow Primary scheme is a whole school approach that consists of three areas of learning in EYFS: Reception (to match the EYFS Personal, social and emotional development prime area).
EYFS Kapow Areas of Learning:
- Self-regulation
- Building relationships
- Managing self
Important Documents