Personal, Social, Health, Economic Education

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

At Beaford Community Primary and Nursery School we ensure that our PSHE curriculum is engaging, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse world our children are growing into. By combining the Jigsaw and OPAL schemes with our relational behaviour approach, RE lessons, educational visits, and guest speakers, we provide a rich and varied PSHE experience that prepares children for life in modern Britain and the wider world.

Through this holistic approach, we aim to equip every child with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to become responsible, confident, and respectful citizens in their communities and beyond.

Jigsaw PSHE curriculum

At the heart of our PSHE teaching is the Jigsaw PSHE scheme, which provides a comprehensive, structured approach to supporting children’s emotional, social, and mental well-being. The Jigsaw programme offers carefully designed modules that encourage children to explore key themes such as emotional literacy, relationships, and healthy choices. These lessons promote positive attitudes, self-respect, and empathy, helping children understand how to interact harmoniously with others.

The learning from the Jigsaw scheme is complemented by our Platinum Award OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) provision, which enhances PSHE learning through active, hands-on play in an outdoor environment. OPAL supports children’s social development, encouraging cooperation, problem-solving, and the development of key interpersonal skills. It allows children to practice their PSHE learning in real-life situations, fostering resilience, teamwork, and positive behaviour.

Together, Jigsaw and OPAL form the foundation of our PSHE curriculum, ensuring that children receive a balanced, enriching education that addresses their emotional, social, and mental development.

At Beaford, PSHE learning goes beyond the classroom. Our relational behaviour approach is central to creating a positive school culture, where respect, kindness, and empathy are consistently encouraged. We embed these principles throughout the school day, ensuring that all children are supported to develop strong, positive relationships with peers and staff.

In addition to Jigsaw and OPAL, we enrich our PSHE programme through other areas of the curriculum and school activities, including:

• Religious Education (RE): Our RE curriculum teaches children about different faiths, beliefs, and cultures, promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity. By learning about the values and practices of others, children develop a deeper appreciation for differences and the importance of mutual respect.
   

• Educational Visits: Regular educational visits to local and national places of interest help children apply their PSHE learning in real-world contexts. These visits often include opportunities for learning about community life, social responsibility, and the broader world around them.
   

• Assemblies: Our weekly assemblies are an important opportunity to reinforce the values of British democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect. These gatherings also celebrate achievements, promote positive behaviour, and foster a sense of belonging within the school community.
   

• Guest Speakers and Workshops: We regularly invite guest speakers from various professions, backgrounds, and fields of expertise to speak with our children. Workshops on themes such as mental health, equality, and sustainability further enhance our PSHE curriculum, giving children valuable insights and encouraging them to consider the wider world beyond school.

These supplementary elements work alongside our core PSHE teaching to ensure a well-rounded, engaging, and thought-provoking experience for all of our children.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

Using the Jigsaw scheme, we teach Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) as part of our PSHE curriculum. This education is delivered with sensitivity and care, helping children develop an understanding of healthy relationships, personal boundaries, and respect for others. The topics covered include:

• Healthy friendships and relationships

• Consent, respect, and personal space

• Changes in the body and growing up

• Keeping safe from harm

We take an age-appropriate approach to RSE, ensuring that children feel supported and comfortable while learning about these important topics.

British Values 

At Beaford, we actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are taught through our PSHE curriculum and reinforced through assemblies, class discussions, and daily school life.