An individual’s physical, mental and social attributes affect all aspects of their lives, both as a child and as an adult. At The Lea we fervently believe that the personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) of our children underpins all their learning and is central in preparing our children so that they are afforded the greatest opportunity to reach their full potential and become productive and caring citizens in today’s culturally diverse society. Our PSHE equips children with the knowledge, understanding, skills and strategies required to live healthy, safe, productive, capable, responsible and balanced lives. It encourages them to be enterprising and supports them in making effective transitions, positive learning and career choices, and in achieving economic wellbeing. A critical component of PSHE provision is providing opportunities for children to reflect on and clarify their own values and attitudes, and explore the complex and sometimes conflicting range of values and attitudes they encounter now and in the future.
PHSE is a part of everything we do at The Lea. It is reflected in the ethos of the school and the school environment. PSHE is taught as a discrete lesson as well as indirectly in every lesson and is ‘hidden’ throughout our curriculum, assemblies and time together as a school. There are also overlaps with other curriculum subjects, e.g. PE (learning different ways to keep healthy and active), Computing (keeping safe online) and Science (lifecycles and growing). Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years Curriculum which includes Personal Social and Emotional Development, and this is a central part of the learning opportunities children have throughout the school day in Early Years.
To help us to achieve this, we use The Jigsaw approach to teaching PSHE. This programme brings together PSHE Education, emotional literacy, social skills and spiritual development in a comprehensive scheme of learning. Jigsaw is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time.
Every Piece (lesson) contributes to at least one of the required aspects of children’s SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural) development balanced across each year group. The programme is reviewed and evaluated regularly to ensure provision is relevant, up-to-date and of the highest quality.
SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development is recognised by all in school as vital to children achieving and being happy in life. We take every opportunity to support children with this development both informally (in the playground and around school) promoting restorative ways of resolving any issues which arise and through more formal sessions including assemblies, lessons, circle times, interventions, visitors and trips.
We have an active school council which represent the voice of our children. Our school council meet regularly and lead valuable work within school on behalf of our children as well as linking with the local community.
Our curriculum overview and further information can be found on the links below.
Jigsaw PSHE Information for Parents
Relationships & Sex Education
An element of the PSHE curriculum (which overlaps with elements of the Science curriculum) is Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). Under 2019 guidance from the Department for Education this became a statutory part of the curriculum from September 2020.
The following government links in relation to this may be of interest:
- Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education
- Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education – FAQs
The Jigsaw approach supports are teaching and learning of this area. Please do refer to our school policy and the linked documents below for more information.
Jigsaw RSHE Information for Parents
A key element of learning in relation to RSHE is preparing children for life in modern Britain. By the end of our primary curriculum children will have had the opportunity to discuss key issues including:
- healthy and respectful relationships;
- what respectful behaviour looks like;
- consent;
- stereotyping, equality;
- body confidence and self-esteem;
- prejudiced behaviour;
- that sexual violence and sexual harassment is always wrong.
Citizenship
Citizenship is also an important element of our PSHE curriculum. Children are encouraged to make sensible and informed choices reflecting on their roles as members of a community. Children in every year group will also participate in a citizenship project over the course of the school year in which they have an opportunity to contribute to wider society.
For example, our Year 4 class contributed locally – singing a medley of Christmas songs at the Memory Lane Café in Harpenden in support of those with dementia. In Year 5, the children contribute at a more international level, being involved in raising funds in order to ‘toilet twin’ with a community on another continent.