PSHE

Personal, Social, Health AND Economic Education (PSHE) and Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) at Badgerbrook Primary School

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education

Intent

At Badgerbrook Primary School, our PSHE and RSE curriculum is designed to give children the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to flourish as healthy, safe, and respectful members of society. Using Kapow’s carefully sequenced scheme of work, we aim to help pupils to:

  • Develop positive relationships and a deep understanding of diversity, equality, and inclusion.
  • Build resilience, self-confidence, and the ability to manage change and challenges effectively.
  • Make informed decisions about their physical and mental health, wellbeing, and personal safety.
  • Appreciate the value of family, friendships, and community, recognising different family structures and perspectives.
  • Prepare for future responsibilities and opportunities, including financial awareness, citizenship, and active participation in society.

Our intent is to nurture compassionate, confident individuals who live out our school values and embrace the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, respect, tolerance, and liberty.

Implementation

We follow the Kapow Primary PSHE and RSE scheme, which ensures full coverage of statutory Relationships and Health Education requirements while extending learning into areas such as economic wellbeing and citizenship. At Badgerbrook, implementation includes:

  • Whole-school progression: In EYFS, children focus on self-regulation, building relationships, and managing themselves. In KS1 and KS2, lessons cover families and relationships, health and wellbeing, safety and the changing body, citizenship, and economic wellbeing.
  • Revisiting and building knowledge: Key themes are revisited each year, allowing children to deepen their understanding as they mature.
  • Varied teaching approaches: Lessons use discussion, role-play, stories, scenarios, and video resources to engage pupils and provide safe spaces to explore sensitive issues.
  • Ground rules and safe environments: Introductory lessons establish agreed ground rules for respectful discussion, which are revisited regularly.
  • Cross-curricular links: Strong connections are made with Computing (online safety), Science (growth, nutrition, reproduction, and health), and PE (healthy lifestyles).
  • Inclusivity and safeguarding: Lessons and resources reflect diversity, challenge stereotypes, and promote equality in line with the Equality Act (2010). Provision is adapted where needed to meet the needs of children with SEND, recognising their increased vulnerability.
  • Parental engagement: Parents are informed about topics through guidance documents and overviews. They play an active role in supporting children’s understanding, while statutory content remains non-withdrawable (except for sex education elements in Year 6).

Through this carefully structured and inclusive approach, PSHE at Badgerbrook supports every child to grow into a confident, responsible, and compassionate member of society.

What children learn in PSHE

The Kapow curriculum is divided into five key areas of learning:

  1. Families and relationships – pupils learn about different types of families, positive friendships, respect, bullying and conflict resolution. They are encouraged to value diversity and celebrate what makes each of us unique.
  2. Health and wellbeing – children develop understanding of physical and mental health, resilience, personal hygiene, balanced lifestyles and how to look after themselves and others.
  3. Safety and the changing body – pupils learn how to stay safe in different contexts, including online safety, road and water safety, and first aid. They also learn about body changes as they grow and how to seek help when needed.
  4. Citizenship – children explore rights and responsibilities, rules and laws, democracy, human rights, diversity, and the importance of protecting the environment. They learn how they can play an active role in society.
  5. Economic wellbeing – pupils are introduced to concepts of money management, budgeting, saving, careers and aspirations for the future.

How PSHE is taught

PSHE at Badgerbrook is taught weekly, using a spiral approach where key themes are revisited each year to deepen and extend understanding. Lessons are interactive and discussion-based, using stories, scenarios, drama and role play to make learning meaningful and memorable.

Teachers create a safe and supportive learning environment where children feel comfortable to share their thoughts, listen to others and develop empathy. We also take care to adapt lessons to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring PSHE is fully inclusive and accessible.

Wider opportunities

PSHE is not just taught in lessons but is embedded across school life. Our approach is enriched by:

  • Assemblies and themed days that promote values such as respect, kindness, equality and perseverance.
  • Pupil leadership roles such as School Council, Eco Committee, Wellbeing ambassadors, Sports Leaders and Learning ambassadors give children a voice and responsibility in the school community.
  • Links with our Personal Development programme, including British Values, SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural development), and our inclusive enrichment activities.

Why PSHE matters

PSHE plays a vital role in preparing our pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges of life. It equips them with the skills to:

  • Stay safe and healthy
  • Build positive relationships
  • Make informed and responsible choices
  • Show respect and understanding of others
  • Contribute actively to their community

Assessment

Assessment is embedded throughout the Kapow scheme to ensure progress and impact:

  • Knowledge catchers and quizzes help measure learning at the start and end of each unit.
  • Teacher assessment uses observation, discussion and written work to evaluate understanding. (class portfolios of evidence)
  • Pupil voice and reflection provide insight into the curriculum’s effect on wellbeing, attitudes, and behaviour.

Ultimately, our aim is that all children leave Badgerbrook Primary School with a personal and social toolkit that equips them to lead safe, happy, and fulfilling lives.

PSHE and RSE Whole school long term plan:

 

 

RSE Policy 2024
PSHE Policy 2024