PSHE – Personal, Social, Health and Economic education
RSE – Relationships and Sex Education
SMSC – Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development
British Values – Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Intent

At Woolton Primary School, PSHE, RSE and SMSC play a central role in supporting the personal development and wellbeing of every child. Through this provision, we aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become confident, resilient and respectful members of society. Our curriculum promotes positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, physical and mental health, and an understanding of British Values, while encouraging children to develop empathy, self-awareness and a strong sense of right and wrong. PSHE is delivered through a carefully planned, age-appropriate and inclusive programme that supports pupils to make safe, informed choices both now and in the future. As part of our commitment to high-quality provision, we are transitioning to the SCARF scheme in the summer term, ensuring our curriculum remains engaging, progressive and fully aligned with statutory guidance.

Implementation

At Woolton Primary School, our PSHE, RSE and SMSC curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure pupils develop their understanding in a progressive and age-appropriate way. During the spring term, Relationships and Sex Education continues to be supported by the Christopher Winter Project. From the summer term onwards, PSHE will be delivered through the SCARF scheme, which provides a comprehensive and structured approach to teaching relationships, health and wellbeing, emotional literacy and personal safety in line with statutory guidance.

Lessons are taught regularly by class teachers using a range of engaging strategies, including discussion, stories, role play and reflection. Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring inclusion and accessibility. SMSC development and British Values are embedded throughout PSHE lessons and are further reinforced through assemblies, themed events and the wider life of the school. Safeguarding underpins all PSHE and RSE teaching. Clear ground rules help create a safe and respectful learning environment where pupils feel confident to share ideas and ask questions. Children are taught how to recognise risk, keep themselves safe and seek support from trusted adults.

Impact

Through our PSHE, RSE and SMSC provision at Woolton Primary School, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to support their wellbeing, safety and personal development. As a result of a carefully planned and progressive curriculum, children are increasingly confident in understanding and managing their emotions, building positive relationships and making responsible choices.

Pupils demonstrate respect for themselves and others and show an understanding of diversity, equality and British Values. They are able to talk about how to stay healthy and safe, including knowing where and how to seek help when they need it. As they move through the school, children are well prepared for the next stage of their education, including the physical and emotional changes associated with growing up. The impact of our PSHE and RSE curriculum is monitored through pupil voice, teacher assessment, observations and ongoing reflection, ensuring that provision continues to meet the needs of all pupils and supports their development as confident, caring and responsible members of the school community.

RSE – Relationships and Sex Education

At Woolton Primary School, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is an important part of our wider Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and supports pupils’ personal development, wellbeing and safety. RSE is delivered in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner, in line with Department for Education statutory guidance, and reflects the needs and maturity of our pupils. The focus of RSE at WPS is on helping children to develop healthy, respectful relationships, understand the importance of kindness and empathy, and learn how to keep themselves safe.

Teaching explores topics such as friendships, families, respect, consent (in an age-appropriate context), online safety and understanding emotions. As pupils progress through the school, they are also taught about the changes that occur during puberty, ensuring they are prepared for the physical and emotional changes they will experience. Parents are informed about the content of RSE and are invited to view resources used in school. In line with statutory guidance, parents have the right to withdraw their child from sex education lessons (beyond the statutory science curriculum). The school works in partnership with families and values open communication to support pupils’ wellbeing and personal development. If you would like further information about RSE at Woolton Primary School, or wish to discuss the curriculum in more detail, please contact the school office.