Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)
and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
Intent
At Yattendon School, we believe that PSHE and RSE are fundamental in helping children develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to thrive both now and in the future. Through our PSHE and RSE curriculum, delivered through the Jigsaw Programme, we aim to support children in becoming confident, respectful, responsible and emotionally resilient individuals who are well-prepared for life in modern Britain.
Our curriculum reflects Yattendon's Shared Vision by equipping pupils with the personal, social and emotional skills needed to persevere through challenges, develop positive relationships and achieve their full potential. Through engaging and age-appropriate learning experiences, children develop self-awareness, emotional literacy, resilience, empathy and a strong sense of responsibility towards themselves and others. These qualities support both academic success and lifelong wellbeing.
The Jigsaw Programme provides a coherent and progressive curriculum from Year 3 to Year 6, enabling pupils to build their understanding through six key themes:
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Being Me in My World (Autumn 1)
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Celebrating Difference (Autumn 2)
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Dreams and Goals (Spring 1)
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Healthy Me (Spring 2)
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Relationships (Summer 1)
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Changing Me (Summer 2)
These themes support pupils in understanding themselves, their relationships with others and their role within the wider community.
Our PSHE and RSE curriculum actively promotes Yattendon's core values of Appreciation, Kindness, Courage, Honesty, Responsibility and Co-operation. Children learn to value themselves and others, celebrate diversity, make responsible choices, communicate honestly and work collaboratively. Respect is at the heart of all learning, helping pupils develop positive relationships and appreciate the diversity of the world around them.
The curriculum also contributes significantly to the development of Yattendon's Learning Powers. Children are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, think together through discussion and collaboration, solve problems thoughtfully and develop the confidence to express their views respectfully. Through this, pupils become increasingly independent, reflective and resilient learners.
Our PSHE and RSE Curriculum Aims
At Yattendon School, we aim to:
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Promote positive mental health, wellbeing and emotional resilience.
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Develop children's understanding of healthy and respectful relationships.
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Foster self-confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem.
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Equip pupils with the skills to make safe, informed and responsible decisions.
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Encourage respect, empathy and appreciation of diversity within society.
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Develop children's understanding of physical health and healthy lifestyles.
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Prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
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Support children in becoming active, responsible and respectful citizens.
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Ensure pupils understand age-appropriate relationships, growing up and personal safety.
Implementation
How PSHE and RSE are Taught
At Yattendon School, PSHE and RSE are delivered through the Jigsaw Programme, a comprehensive and carefully sequenced scheme that supports progression in knowledge, skills and understanding from Year 3 to Year 6.
Each year group studies the same six themes, allowing learning to build progressively and ensuring that key concepts are revisited and explored in greater depth as children mature.
A typical Jigsaw lesson follows a structured approach that includes:
Connect Us → Calm Me → Open My Mind → Tell Me or Show Me → Let Me Learn → Help Me Reflect → Closure
This consistent structure supports children's emotional wellbeing, engagement and understanding while encouraging reflection and discussion.
Learning takes place through:
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Class discussions and circle time.
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Collaborative activities and problem-solving tasks.
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Reflection and self-assessment opportunities.
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Real-life scenarios and case studies.
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Role play and speaking and listening activities.
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Mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies.
Relationships and Sex Education is taught in accordance with statutory guidance and is carefully planned to ensure learning is age-appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to pupils' developmental needs. Parents are informed about the curriculum content, and learning is delivered within a safe, supportive and respectful environment.
In line with Yattendon's commitment to rich learning experiences, children are provided with opportunities to explore real-life issues, current events and experiences that help them understand their place within both the school community and wider society. Pupils are encouraged to share their views respectfully, listen to different perspectives and develop an appreciation of diversity and inclusion.
Throughout the curriculum, teachers explicitly model and reinforce Yattendon's values and Learning Powers. Pupils learn to demonstrate kindness and empathy, show courage when discussing sensitive issues, take responsibility for their actions and work cooperatively with others. They are encouraged to reflect on their choices, relationships and personal growth, developing the confidence and resilience needed to face future challenges.
Impact
Through our PSHE and RSE curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and personal skills needed to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Children leave Yattendon School with a strong understanding of themselves and their place within the world. They:
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Demonstrate confidence, self-awareness and positive self-esteem.
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Understand how to build and maintain healthy, respectful relationships.
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Show empathy, kindness and respect towards others.
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Recognise and celebrate diversity and difference.
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Make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing and personal safety.
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Understand how to manage emotions and respond positively to challenges.
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Communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
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Show resilience, responsibility and independence.
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Understand the physical and emotional changes that occur as they grow and develop.
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Are prepared for the next stage of their education and life beyond primary school.