RSHE

RHSE Curriculum Statement 

RHSE at Castle Primary School 

At Castle Primary School, we believe that Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RHSE) is a vital part of preparing children for happy, healthy and successful lives. Through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum, we equip our pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to build positive relationships, look after their physical and mental wellbeing, make informed decisions and stay safe in an ever-changing world.

Delivered through the Jigsaw Programme as part of our wider PSHE curriculum, our RHSE provision supports every child to become an independent, resilient and empathetic learner.

Intent 

At Castle Primary School, we place the wellbeing and personal development of every child at the heart of our curriculum. We recognise that children learn best when they feel safe, valued, respected and connected to others. Our RHSE curriculum is designed to provide children with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to thrive both now and in the future.

Through a progressive and inclusive curriculum, we aim to:

• Develop children’s understanding of healthy, respectful and positive relationships.
• Promote positive mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Help children understand how to stay safe in the real world and online.
• Equip pupils with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
• Celebrate diversity and promote respect, empathy and inclusion.
• Develop children’s understanding of their rights, responsibilities and role within society.
• Prepare children for the physical and emotional changes they will experience as they grow and develop.
• Ensure children know how and when to seek support for themselves or others when needed.

Our curriculum reflects the statutory requirements for Relationships Education and Health Education and is delivered through the six Jigsaw Puzzle themes:

• Being Me in My World
• Celebrating Difference
• Dreams and Goals
• Healthy Me
• Relationships
• Changing Me

These themes are revisited throughout children’s primary education, ensuring knowledge and skills are built upon year after year through a carefully sequenced and age-appropriate curriculum.

Implementation 

RHSE is taught through weekly lessons delivered by class teachers using the Jigsaw Programme. Lessons are carefully planned to ensure consistency, progression and full coverage of statutory requirements whilst meeting the needs of our pupils.

Teaching takes place within a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where children are encouraged to express their views, ask questions and engage in thoughtful discussion. Through the Jigsaw Charter, pupils learn how to listen respectfully, value different perspectives and contribute positively to discussions.

Our RHSE curriculum extends beyond the classroom and is embedded throughout school life through:

• assemblies and collective learning opportunities;
• positive behaviour and relationship expectations;
• safeguarding and pastoral support systems;
• online safety education;
• outdoor learning experiences; celebration of diversity and inclusion;
• opportunities to develop emotional literacy and wellbeing skills;
• links across the wider curriculum.

Learning is adapted to ensure accessibility for all pupils, including those with SEND, and reflects the diverse families, cultures and communities represented within our school and wider society.
Teachers use ongoing assessment, observations, pupil voice and reflection activities within Jigsaw to monitor understanding and identify where additional support may be required.

Impact

Through our RHSE curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.

By the time they leave Castle Primary School, our pupils will:

• Understand how to develop and maintain healthy relationships.
• Demonstrate kindness, empathy and respect towards others.
• Understand how to maintain positive physical and mental wellbeing.
• Recognise risks and know strategies to keep themselves safe.
• Be able to make informed and responsible decisions.
• Understand the importance of equality, inclusion and diversity.
• Know how to access help and support when needed.
• Be prepared for the challenges and opportunities of secondary education and later life.

The impact of our curriculum is seen in the confidence, resilience and emotional maturity of our pupils. RHSE contributes to the creation of a positive school culture where children feel safe, valued, respected and ready to learn. The knowledge and skills developed through RHSE support pupils in becoming responsible citizens who are prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of the future.

What Does RHSE Look Like in EYFS?

RHSE is integral to the Early Years Foundation Stage and is primarily delivered through Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED), alongside daily routines, play-based learning and high-quality adult interactions.

Children are supported to:

• develop confidence and independence;
•  recognise and express feelings appropriately;
• build positive relationships and friendships;
• learn to share, cooperate and take turns;
• understand boundaries and expectations;
• develop resilience and problem-solving skills;
• understand how to keep themselves safe and healthy.

Through purposeful play, stories, modelling and discussion, children begin to develop the foundations that will support future RHSE learning. These experiences help children develop a strong sense of belonging, self-worth and emotional security as they begin their journey through Castle Primary School.