Implementation
The Westborough School will be following the Department of Education (DfE) new PSHE & RSHE guidelines which reflect the changing world. This will come into effect from September 2026.
Relationships (sex education) and Health Education (RHSE) now forms the core curriculum for PSHE lessons across the United Kingdom and has more focus on the following areas:
- Online Safety & AI
- Physical and Personal Safety
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Health and Relationships
Our PSHE & RSHE curriculum is built using the PSHE Association Programme of Study which has two strands:
- Relationships ( Sex education) and Health Education
- Economic Wellbeing and Careers Education
PSHE at Westborough is taught through specific lessons, through other curriculum areas (ie) Science, RE and PE and assemblies. The curriculum is delivered to all children and has been planned progressively to allow children’s understanding and skills to build and develop as they mature. PSHE is embedded into the ethos of our school.
During PSHE lessons, pupils will explore topics such as bullying (online and offline), drug misuse, sex education, prejudice and abuse, financial education, use of AI, mental health and wellbeing and many other important areas.
Each lesson allows children the opportunity to discuss their feelings, anxieties and opinions and to explore those held by others in a sensitive and safe environment free from pressure. Ground rules are negotiated with the children so that clear boundaries for their discussions are established. Staff are incredibly sensitive in handling the issues in these lessons and an ‘opt out’ clause is always offered. Any safeguarding concerns that may arise are reported to the Designated Safeguarding Staff.
RSE (Relationships and sex education)
Sex Education is still advisory at Primary School although many aspects are delivered through the Science Curriculum (ie.) naming body parts accurately, changes during puberty; these elements are statutory. The sex education lessons delivered in Year 6 that focus on sexual intercourse are not statutory and parents have the right to withdraw their children from these.
Impact
The progressive nature of our curriculum enables our pupils to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to succeed and be productive, happy and healthy adults. They will gain the qualities of kindness, integrity, generosity, honesty and will be tolerant of and celebrate differences, preparing them well for adulthood and life as a global citizen. Our PSHE curriculum is comprehensive and tailored to our children. This ensures that children are aware of dangers in their local environment and online and are able to assess risks to themselves or others. The curriculum fosters pupil wellbeing and develops the resilience and character needed to achieve both personal and academic goals, encouraging them to be ambitious and entrepreneurial and to form respectful relationships with others. The knowledge and attributes gained will support their own, and others’ well-being and attainment and help our pupils become successful and happy adults who make meaningful contributions to society.
Assessment
Assessment is ongoing and staff monitor children’s understanding of skills and attitudes. Further teaching is provided if there are gaps in learning that need addressing.
As a whole school, a record is kept (on CPOMS) of any behaviour or attitudes that do not fit our curriculum intent and intervention can be put into place to further develop our pupils’ empathy and tolerance.
Resources
- PSHE Association
- NSPCC
- St John’s Ambulance
- Money sense
- Twinkl
- Kapow
- BBC bitesize
- Oak National Academy
- Network Rail (rail safety)
- RNLI (water safety)
Curriculum development opportunities
During normal circumstances, a variety of curriculum development opportunities are offered including school trips, visits and visitors to school. These include road safety, fire safety, NSPCC assemblies and environmental waste company SUEZ.
Intervention and Support
Ongoing assessments inform staff of children who may need further support or intervention. Support is offered in class in the form of small groups or on an individual basis and work is differentiated appropriately to meet individual needs.
Records are kept of any behaviour or attitudes that do not support our curriculum intent, and these are challenged and intervention and support can be offered.
PSHE planning at The Westborough School
how pshe is planned at the westborough 7 .pdf
