‘Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE education) is a planned programme of learning opportunities and experiences that help children and young people grow and develop as individuals, as members of families and of social and economic communities.’ (PSHE Association)

PSHE uniquely aims to develop the whole child including their knowledge, understanding, skills, strategies, beliefs, values and attributes. At Co-op Academy Princeville, we place a high value on the development of the ‘whole child’. The teaching of Personal, Social, Health & Economic (PSHE) education underpins children’s development as people and supports their learning capacity. PSHE forms part of our wider, holistic approach to addressing sensitive subjects and protect our pupils.

As part of our whole school approach, PSHE develops the qualities and attributes that children need to manage opportunities, challenges and responsibilities as they grow up, enabling them to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. By teaching pupils to stay safe and healthy, and by building self-esteem, resilience and empathy, our effective PSHE programme enables staff to tackle barriers to learning and raise aspirations for our pupils.

Statement of Intent

Co-op Academy Princeville is committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background, faith or culture, have opportunities to develop holistically, with an understanding of themselves and their place in the world; whilst being empowered to succeed in the future. The school is also committed to respect, tolerance and co-operation with the wider community, and seeks the contribution of all stakeholders in its work.

At Co-op Academy Princeville PSHE encompasses our ethos of creativity and inspiration, helping to develop the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. It prepares them to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up in such rapidly changing and challenging times. It also engages children’s interests and provides them with new experiences, helping them to apply the knowledge and understanding they learn in all subjects and in practical, real-life situations.

At Co-op Academy Princeville we teach discret PSHE lessons through Coram Life Education: SCARF lessons and resources. This ensures our curriculum covers all National Curriculum and DfE requirements. The strands that run through our curriculum are: Me and my relationships, growing and changing, valuing difference, keeping myself safe, rights and responsibilities and being my best. These strands of knowledge are the basis of our progression model within the curriculum and are revisited each year.

Using our Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship Curriculum (SCARF) across all age groups ensures progression in knowledge, attitudes and values, and skills – including the key skills of social and emotional learning, known to improve outcomes for children.

Content and delivery

In Me and My Relationships strand children in Year one learn about how to be a good friend. In Year two they build on this by learning about bullying. In Key Stage two this is further developed to cover the concepts of assertiveness, healthy relationships, coercion, control and consent.

In Keeping Myself Safe strand children in Year one learn about decision making skills. In Year two they build on this by learning about safe and unsafe secrets. In Key Stage two this is further developed to cover concepts such as managing risks, decision making, drugs misuse, conflict resolution and peer influence.

In Growing and Changing strand children in Year one learn about how they have changed from a baby to a toddler and a child. In Year two build on this by looking at all the stages of development to adulthood and understanding what you are capable of doing at these stages. In Key Stage two this is further developed to cover concepts of personal hygiene, positive relationships, life cycle, emotional needs, body image and puberty talk in Year six.

In Rights and Responsibilities, children in Year one learn about special people and what they do for them. In Year two they build on this by learning about how others are feeling and suggest and use strategies for helping someone who is feeling left out. In Key Stage two this is further developed to cover concepts such as racism, tolerance, pupil voice, democracy, British values and media influence.

In Being My Best strand children in Year one learn about healthy packed lunches. In Year two they build on this by learning about what our body needs to stay healthy. In Key Stage two this is further developed to cover concepts of Healthy lifestyle, body image, community, citizenship, independence and first aid.

In Valuing Difference strand children in Year one learn about identifying the similarities and differences between people. In Year two they build on this by learning about the importance of respecting others, even when they are very different from them. In Key Stage two this is further developed to cover concepts of british values, respect, tolerance, discrimination and diversity.

Inclusion

Our teachers provide learning opportunities matched to the individual needs of all children including those with special educational needs and disabilities. PSHE is taught inclusively to all children regardless of their race, religion and gender, whilst at the same time addressing the need for equal opportunity. The PSHE curriculum is in line with the single equality duty policy. Staff will ensure that no judgement will be passed on the lifestyles and choices made by others. If a safeguarding issue is raised, staff are required to follow the correct safeguarding procedure and safeguarding policy.

CPD

The PSHE Co-ordinator ensures they are kept informed of relevant changes to aspects of PSHE by attending local cluster meetings, Healthy Schools and PSHE network meetings. The Co-ordinator will support colleagues in the teaching of PSHE by giving them information about current developments in the subject and providing a strategic lead and direction for the subject in school.

Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation

Teachers assess the children’s work in PSHE by making informal judgements as they observe them during lessons. We have clear expectations of what the pupils will know and understand at the end of each year and key stage. Assessment should offer the children the opportunity to reflect on their own progress. Within the Foundation Stage, PSHE objectives are documented within ‘learning journey books’ which include specific focussed PSHE objectives and circle time activities. Similar to this, Key Stage One and Two also have a PSHE book where circle time discussions are recorded, pictures of activities that are completed during PSHE lessons and any comments made by children that are relevant to the topic are included. The PSHE subject leader is responsible for monitoring the standards of children’s work and the quality of teaching. The subject leader will monitor plans, teaching and learning in order to evaluate strengths and weaknesses in the school and indicate areas for improvement.

The subject leader will regularly evaluate the scheme of work to ensure that the needs of the pupils are being met and that there is progression and continuity of learning through the school.

Confidentiality and handling disclosures

Staff will ensure that no judgement will be passed on the lifestyles and choices made by others. If a safeguarding issue is raised, staff are required to follow the correct safeguarding procedure and safeguarding policy

Involving parents and carers

We are committed to working with parents and carers and will communicate with them through holding workshops, RSE consultation sessions, text message and letters home when necessary.

PSHE Policy