Our Vision for PSHE Education

At St Barnabas CE First and Middle school, we believe every child deserves an education that prepares them not only for academic success but also to thrive as rounded individuals in modern society. Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education sits at the heart of this commitment.

The Jigsaw Programme offers us a comprehensive, carefully thought-through Scheme of Work which brings consistency and progression to our children’s learning in this vital curriculum area.  

At St Barnabas, in addition to Relationships Education, we also teach aspects of Sex Education that is covered in our Science Curriculum. Alongside this we teach about different kinds of relationships, including same sex relationships, and gender identity because it is important that our children should have an understanding of the full diversity of the world they live in and be prepared for life in modern Britain. The Sex Education aspects of PSHE are also taught through the ‘Jigsaw’. 

PSHE is taught through Jigsaw’s six half termly themes with each year group studying the same unit at the same time (at their own level): 

Autumn 1: Being In My World 

Autumn 2: Relationships 

Spring 1: Changing Me (including Sex Education) 

Spring 2: Healthy Me 

Summer 1: Celebrating Differences 

Summer 2: Dreams and Goals  

 

NB – Year 6 follow ABBYLA so will follow units as follows: 

Autumn 1: Relationships 

Autumn 2: Healthy Me 

Spring 1: Changing Me (including Sex Education) 

Spring 2: Being In My World 

Summer 1: Celebrating Differences 

Summer 2: Dreams and Goals 

It also supports the ‘Personal Development’ and  ‘Behaviour and Attitude’ aspects required under the Ofsted Inspection Framework, as well as significantly contributing to the school’s Safeguarding and Equality Duties, the Government’s British Values agenda and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) development opportunities and is taught in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and ethos of the school. 

 

Adapting Jigsaw for Our School Community

Whilst we follow the Jigsaw programme, we recognise that our children, families and context have specific needs and characteristics. Our PSHE lead and class teachers carefully consider each lesson's content and approach to ensure it is appropriate and relevant for our pupils.

 

Beyond the Classroom: Embedding PSHE in School Life

We recognize that effective PSHE education extends far beyond weekly lessons. The skills, values and understanding developed in PSHE sessions are reinforced and 'lived' throughout our school day and across all areas of school life such as:

· Collective worship and assemblies regularly explore PSHE themes, celebrating successes, exploring moral questions, and building whole-school awareness of current wellbeing and relationship topics.

· Our behaviour and relationships policy reflects the principles taught in PSHE, emphasizing respect, kindness, responsibility and positive conflict resolution. Adults model these values in all interactions with children and each other.

· Playground and social times provide opportunities for children to practice the friendship and conflict-resolution skills learned in PSHE, supported by staff who understand the PSHE curriculum and can reference learning when supporting children.

Relationships Education

Relationships Education is compulsory for all primary aged children, and there is no right of withdrawal. It focuses on teaching children the fundamental building blocks of positive, respectful relationships with family, friends, peers and adults.

Health Education

Health Education is compulsory for all primary-aged children and there is no right of withdrawal. It focuses on supporting children to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

 Sex Education in St Barnabas CE First and Middle School

Sex education is not compulsory in primary schools, however the Department for Education recommends that all primary schools teach age-appropriate sex education to ensure children are prepared for the changes adolescence brings and understand how human life begins.

We teach age-appropriate sex education in Years 5 and 6 as part of our PSHE curriculum, going beyond the statutory content about puberty to include factual information about human reproduction. We believe this information is important for children before they leave primary school, particularly as children naturally become more aware and curious about how life begins, and may seek information from less reliable sources if we do not provide age-appropriate, factual teaching.

Parent Engagement and the Right to Withdraw from Sex Education

Parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of sex education taught as part of PSHE. Parents do NOT have the right to withdraw children from:

· Relationships Education (statutory)

· Health Education, including puberty education (statutory)

· Science curriculum content, including content about reproduction (statutory)

Before making a decision to withdraw a child from sex education, we invite parents to discuss their concerns with the headteacher. This discussion helps us to understand the request and enables us to clarify the nature and purpose of the curriculum, discuss the benefits of the education, and consider any potential impacts of withdrawal on the child.

 

Supporting Children with SEND

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive appropriate, differentiated PSHE education that meets their needs. PSHE is particularly important for children with SEND, who may be more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and bullying. Teachers adapt lessons to ensure content is accessible.

 

Managing Disclosures and Concerns

PSHE lessons, particularly those addressing sensitive topics, may lead to disclosures from children.

 

All staff are trained to:

· Respond calmly and supportively to disclosures

· Never promise confidentiality (explaining that some concerns must be shared to keep children safe)

· Listen carefully without asking leading questions

· Record concerns accurately and immediately

· Report all concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay

 

Signposting to Support

We actively encourage children to talk with their families about their worries and concerns, recognising that parents and carers are often the first and most important source of support. At the same time, we understand that for a small number of children, there may be times when they want or need to seek support from other trusted adults, and we ensure children know how to do this when needed.

 

Within PSHE lessons and through displays, assemblies and other communications, children are regularly informed about sources of support both within school and externally.

 

Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers

We recognise that parents and carers are children's first and most important educators, particularly regarding relationships and health. Effective PSHE education works in partnership with families, supporting parents to continue conversations started in school and keeping them informed about what their children are learning.

Responding to Concerns

We welcome parents' questions and concerns about PSHE education. Parents who have concerns should contact the school’s office on 01905 840366

We aim to address concerns through open, honest discussion, sharing curriculum materials, explaining the rationale for content, and demonstrating how teaching is age-appropriate and sensitively delivered. Where concerns relate to sex education, we will discuss the right of withdrawal and support parents to make informed decisions.

 

 

Further Information and Resources

For more information about PSHE at St Barnabas CE First and Middle School, please contact:

Rachel Mansell (PSHE Lead) – rmansell@st-barnabas.dowmat.education

Elizabeth Whetham (Headteacher) - EWhetham@st-barnabas.dowmat.education

Louise Reeder (Curriculum Lead/Deputy Headteacher) - Louise.Reeder@st-barnabas.dowmat.education