What we are aiming for

At Bassenthwaite, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), including Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), supports children to become confident, kind, independent and responsible individuals. Our curriculum helps children to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to build healthy relationships, stay safe, maintain positive physical and mental health and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of growing up.

Our learning is rooted in our school values of Curiosity, Kindness, Independence, Empathy and Confidence. We encourage children to ask questions, value diversity, respect others, make informed choices and seek help when needed.

We want every child to leave Bassenthwaite able to:

• build positive and respectful relationships;
• recognise healthy and unhealthy behaviours;
• keep themselves physically and emotionally safe;
• develop resilience, confidence and self-esteem;
• appreciate diversity and promote inclusion;
• make informed and responsible choices;
• contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.

How learning happens

Mixed-age classes

PSHE and RSHE are taught in mixed-age classes through a carefully planned rolling programme that ensures progression and full coverage of statutory requirements. Learning builds over time so that children revisit important ideas at increasing levels of depth and complexity.

A safe and supportive environment

Teachers establish clear expectations so that children can participate confidently and respectfully. Pupils learn to listen to others, use appropriate vocabulary, respect privacy and understand how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or someone else.

Our PSHE and RSHE curriculum

We use the Kapow Primary RSHE Scheme of Work as part of our wider PSHE curriculum. The curriculum is progressive, age-appropriate, inclusive and designed to meet statutory requirements while remaining relevant to children’s lives.

You can view our DRAFT Relationships, sex and health education policy here.

You can view our PSHE progression of skills document here.

You can view our Growing up progression of skills here.

Learning is organised into seven key strands:

My Healthy Self

Developing emotional wellbeing, resilience, healthy lifestyles, self-esteem and making informed choices.

Connecting with Others

Learning about families, friendships, healthy relationships, communication, empathy, inclusion and healthy boundaries.

The Online World

Understanding online safety, privacy, digital footprints, online relationships, misinformation and how to report concerns.

Citizenship

Exploring rights, responsibilities, diversity, equality, democracy, communities and financial education.

Health Protection

Learning about hygiene, healthy eating, sleep, illness prevention, medicines and healthy habits.

Staying Safe

Understanding personal safety, road, rail and water safety, assessing risk, first aid and trusted adults.

Growing Up

Learning about body changes, puberty, emotional changes, reproduction and preparing for secondary school in an age-appropriate and sensitive way.

Knowledge, vocabulary and personal development

Children develop knowledge and understanding about:

• physical and mental health;
• relationships and families;
• personal safety;
• online safety;
• wellbeing and resilience;
• citizenship and life in modern Britain.

Correct and age-appropriate vocabulary is taught progressively so that children can communicate clearly and confidently about relationships, health and growing up.

What children gain

Through PSHE and RSHE, children:

• develop confidence and self-esteem;
• learn to manage emotions and build resilience;
• develop healthy friendships and relationships;
• understand how to keep themselves safe;
• appreciate diversity and show respect for others;
• know when and how to seek help from trusted adults;
• become responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

How we know

Teachers assess learning through:

• discussion and questioning;
• observation;
• retrieval activities;
• reflection tasks;
• pupil self-assessment

Assessment is used to inform future learning and ensure that children continue to build their understanding and confidence over time. 

Working with families

We recognise that parents and carers are children’s first educators and play a vital role in supporting personal development. We work closely with families and encourage open conversations about relationships, health, safety and growing up. Parents are welcome to discuss the curriculum, view representative teaching materials and ask questions about any aspect of RSHE.

Parents have the legal right to withdraw their child from the non-statutory Sex Education element taught in Year 6. There is no right to withdraw from Relationships Education, Health Education or National Curriculum Science

Helpful websites for families

We encourage families to continue conversations about relationships, health, wellbeing and safety at home. The following trusted organisations provide excellent advice and resources for parents, carers and children:

• NHS Healthier Families – practical advice on children’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, healthy eating, sleep and family activities.
  Visit NHS Healthier Families
• NSPCC – guidance on keeping children safe, including online safety, healthy relationships and talking to children about difficult topics.
  Visit NSPCC Parents Hub
• YoungMinds – information and support for children’s mental health, anxiety, wellbeing and emotional development.
  Visit YoungMinds Parents Hub
• Childline – advice and support for children and young people about feelings, friendships, worries and staying safe.
  Visit Childline
• Thinkuknow (CEOP) – age-appropriate resources and advice for families about online safety, social media, gaming and reporting concerns.
  https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
• Internet Matters – practical guides for parents on apps, devices, parental controls and keeping children safe online.
  https://www.internetmatters.org
• Kapow Parent Zone – information about the RSHE curriculum used at Bassenthwaite Primary School, including lesson content and guidance for families.
  https://www.kapowprimary.com/parent-zone/