PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) at John Blow Primary School

PSHE is about helping children understand themselves, their relationships with others, and the world around them.

It helps children develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to stay healthy, safe and prepared for life, both now and in the future.

Through PSHE, children learn how to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, make informed decisions, recognise and manage risks, and understand their rights and responsibilities as members of society.

By discussing real-life situations, exploring different perspectives and reflecting on their own experiences, children develop confidence, resilience, empathy and respect for others.

Through high-quality PSHE education, children are supported to become responsible, active and caring citizens who are prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

PSHE and RSHE Enrichment and Enhancement at John Blow Primary School

At John Blow Primary School, we recognise that Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), including Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), plays a vital role in supporting children's personal development, wellbeing and preparation for life in modern Britain.

Our PSHE curriculum is delivered through the Jigsaw PSHE Scheme, which provides a comprehensive, progressive and inclusive programme of learning from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum has been carefully mapped to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum requirements and is aligned with the Department for Education's statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance, including the updated guidance due to come into effect from September 2026.

We believe that effective PSHE education is most successful when schools and families work together. To support this partnership, each term we provide parents and carers with information about the learning that will be taking place through Jigsaw, including links to curriculum content and resources. This ensures that families are informed about the themes being explored and can continue important conversations at home.

The Jigsaw Programme

The Jigsaw curriculum is organised into six half-termly themes, known as Puzzle Pieces, which are revisited each year at an age-appropriate level to ensure progression and deeper understanding.

Throughout the academic year, children explore:

Autumn 1 – Being Me in My World

• Understanding rights and responsibilities
• Developing a sense of belonging
• Building positive learning behaviours
• Understanding democracy and citizenship
• Setting personal goals

Autumn 2 – Celebrating Difference

• Respecting diversity
• Understanding similarities and differences
• Challenging stereotypes and prejudice
• Promoting inclusion and equality
• Developing empathy and respect

Spring 1 – Dreams and Goals

• Aspirations and ambitions
• Resilience and perseverance
• Learning from challenges and setbacks
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Celebrating achievements

Spring 2 – Healthy Me

• Physical and mental health
• Healthy lifestyles
• Emotional wellbeing
• Keeping safe and managing risks
• Understanding healthy choices

Summer 1 – Relationships

• Building positive relationships
• Family and friendships
• Respect and kindness
• Managing conflict
• Understanding different types of relationships

Summer 2 – Changing Me

• Growing and changing
• Transition and moving forward
• Understanding personal development
• Puberty and human reproduction (age appropriate and in line with statutory guidance)
• Preparing for the next stage of education

PSHE Across the Primary Curriculum

At John Blow Primary School, PSHE extends beyond discrete lessons and is embedded throughout school life and the wider curriculum.

Children are provided with opportunities to:

• develop emotional literacy and self-awareness
• build resilience, confidence and independence
• learn about physical and mental wellbeing
• understand how to keep themselves safe, including online
• explore healthy relationships and respectful behaviour
• celebrate diversity and challenge discrimination
• develop financial awareness and economic understanding
• understand democracy, citizenship and British Values
• contribute positively to their school and wider community
• reflect on personal experiences and aspirations

Learning is reinforced through assemblies, circle time, pupil leadership opportunities, enrichment activities, educational visits, community engagement and participation in national awareness events.

Promoting Inclusion and Diversity

As a school rooted within the local community of Collingham and the surrounding Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire area, we recognise the importance of preparing children to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing society.

Through our PSHE curriculum, children learn to value and respect people from all backgrounds and develop an understanding of:

• different families and relationships
• cultures, ethnicities and traditions
• religions and beliefs
• disabilities and individual differences
• gender equality
• inclusion and belonging
• diversity within modern Britain

These themes are explored in an age-appropriate manner and help children develop empathy, respect and understanding for others.

Wider Enrichment Opportunities

In addition to planned curriculum learning, pupils benefit from a range of experiences that enhance their personal development, including:

• Anti-Bullying Week
• Children's Mental Health Week
• Safer Internet Day
• Sports and Wellbeing initiatives
• Road safety and personal safety workshops
• Visits from community organisations and professionals
• Charity and fundraising activities
• Pupil leadership opportunities
• Transition activities and preparation for future learning

Through these experiences, we aim to develop children who are confident, respectful, resilient and responsible members of society, equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.

The teaching staff of John Blow Primary School collaboratively developed this curriculum, supported by current statutory guidance, educational research and best practice. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains fully compliant with national requirements and responsive to the needs of our pupils and community.

Please contact the school if you require additional information about our PSHE and RSHE curriculum.